Survival Guide of the Awkward Critters

Book 1: Raven’s First Day

📘 Starting over is hard—especially when you already feel like you don’t belong. Raven’s First Day tells the story of Raven, a quiet and observant young fox entering a new school where everything feels too big, too loud, and too unfamiliar. With her hoodie pulled tight and her eyes cast low, Raven walks through the halls of V.J. Elementary wishing she could disappear.

But school has a way of surprising you.

As the day unfolds, Raven begins to notice the little things—like the teacher who smiles without judgment, or the classmate who laughs at the wrong moment but means well. Though the fear of being seen lingers, so does a flicker of something else: hope.

Told through Raven’s perspective, this deeply relatable story captures the courage it takes to show up when everything inside you wants to run. It’s a story about feeling like an outsider, navigating anxiety, and slowly realizing that sometimes, the people around you are just as awkward and unsure as you are.

Raven’s First Day is the first title in The Survival Guide of the Awkward Critters series—a collection of emotionally honest, character-driven stories that follow kids from different backgrounds as they learn how to cope, connect, and grow.

With charming illustrations and a warm, sketchbook style, this book is perfect for readers ages 6–17, classrooms, counselors, or any child who’s ever felt like the new kid. It’s a quiet reminder that being different isn’t something to hide—it’s something to understand, embrace, and celebrate.

Book 2: The Day I Felt Seen - Finn's Story -

Coming Out October 2025

📘 Discover the magic of feeling truly seen in this heartfelt, beautifully illustrated children’s book, perfect for ages 6–17, families, teachers, and school counselors.

Welcome back to Autumn Ridge, the charming small town where every critter has a story worth telling. In The Day I Felt Seen, readers experience a brand-new perspective on the first day of school—this time through the gentle eyes of Finn, the firefly who always seems to glow with happiness, even when he feels dim inside.

Finn is the kid everyone knows and likes: kind, friendly, and always ready with a smile. But beneath his cheerful glow, Finn wonders if anyone really understands him—especially with one antenna light that refuses to shine as brightly as the others. Surrounded by friends who seem so sure of themselves, Finn quietly struggles with feeling invisible, different, and not quite “enough.”

When a new student named Raven arrives, Finn’s world shifts. Guided by his loving mom Reya and the wise, supportive school janitor Marcus (a cuddly grizzly bear), Finn learns that everyone has their own challenges—even those who look like they have it all together. Through moments of loneliness, quiet acts of courage, and new connections, Finn discovers that the bravest thing you can do is let others see your true self.

The Day I Felt Seen – Finn’s Story is more than just a school story; it’s a powerful journey about empathy, belonging, and the importance of friendship. Perfect for elementary classrooms, SEL (social-emotional learning) lessons, and bedtime reading, this uplifting book encourages children to celebrate what makes them unique and reminds them that every light matters—even the ones that don’t shine the same.

Perfect for: Kids who feel different, left out, or shy. Parents looking for books about kindness and inclusion. Teachers and school counselors seeking SEL picture books. Families who love stories with heart and gentle humor. Join Finn as he discovers that true belonging isn’t about being perfect—it’s about finding friends who see you, accept you, and help your light shine in new ways.

The Awkward Critters – Christmas Rescue

Coming Out December 2025

A heartwarming Christmas story about friendship, grief, belonging, and the true magic of the holidays—perfect for families, educators, and anyone who’s ever felt a little out of place.

In the cozy town of Autumn Ridge, the snow falls gently, cocoa steams on kitchen tables, and the Awkward Critters—a lovable crew of quirky animal friends—prepare for their favorite tradition: the Winter Celebration. But when the town square is mysteriously stripped of all its decorations on Christmas Eve, the Critters follow a glittery trail into the woods and uncover something far more important than ornaments.

In a hidden treehouse, they meet Lynn, a lonely porcupine girl with a paper star, a heart full of grief, and a story that will forever change the meaning of Christmas. As the Critters share their own secrets and fears—through cookies, laughter, and quiet kindness—they help Lynn rediscover what she thought was lost: hope, family, and the feeling of home.

Written with tenderness and joy, The Awkward Critters – Christmas Rescue is more than a holiday story—it’s a powerful reminder that:

• It’s okay to feel sad during the holidays
• You don’t have to be perfect to be loved
• Even the quietest hearts can shine the brightest

This book is ideal for children ages 6–17, but its emotional depth speaks to readers of all ages. With themes of healing, friendship, mental health, grief, inclusion, and self-worth, it's a perfect classroom read-aloud, a family bedtime story, or a meaningful gift for the season.

From the author of The Survival Guide of the Awkward Critters Series, this moving Christmas tale will stay with readers long after the final page. If you believe in second chances, chosen family, and the quiet courage it takes to be seen—you’ll fall in love with this book.

Get ready to laugh, cry, and believe in magic again. “The Awkward Critters – Christmas Rescue” is a story for anyone who’s ever needed one more seat at the table. 💛