About the Accidental Poet: “My goal is to make anyone who reads my poems smile and forget for a moment where they were going or what was on their agenda, and emmerse themselves in another place and time,” shares Nate Whiting, an accomplished poet, singer, and songwriter born and raised in Beverly, Massachusetts, and now residing in Glen Burnie, Maryland, with his wife, Jo Gilley, and his two sons, Leif and Clay.
Nicknamed “The Accidental Poet,” Nate has written hundreds of poems to entertain friends and family with his “Whimsies.”
Nate holds a Bachelor’s & Master’s in K-12 Teacher Education, Health, & Physical Education from West Virginia University. For over a decade, he was an elementary school teacher in Fort Washington, Maryland, where he started writing children’s poems for his students and fellow teachers. Nate continues to write poetry and play music full-time in the Baltimore/Annapolis area. His literary works have often been described as a fun and playful mixture of the poetic stylings of Shel Silverstein and Dr. Seuss. His stories delight children and adults alike with humor, heart, and a dash of magic.
About Nate’s journey: Nate got into book publishing in 2018 when his wife Jo heard him read his poem, “The Tale of the Christmas Wish Crackler,” to their boys on Christmas Eve. She encouraged him to publish the poem, and thousands of copies later, the beloved story has become a cherished family holiday tradition. The couple continues their literary adventure with plans for many more magical stories to come!
About Jo Gilley: Jo Gilley is a creative strategist, publisher, and graphic designer originally from Tullahoma, Tennessee, and now residing in Glen Burnie, Maryland, with her husband, author Nate Whiting. With a degree in Business Marketing, she spent years expanding her skills through independent study and professional experience. In the corporate world, she learned to unite strategy, communication, design, and practical execution.
Her journey into book publishing began in 2018, when she heard Nate read “The Tale of The Christmas Wish Crackler” to his sons on Christmas Eve. Nate hoped to publish the poem, and Jo set out to help him turn it into a book that could be held and shared. What she expected to be a single project gradually grew into an unexpected creative partnership. Eight books later, their publishing journey has become far more than either of them originally imagined. That unexpected journey gave Jo a new way to apply the skills and instincts she had developed throughout her career. Naturally curious and deeply creative, she has a gift for seeing how ideas, details, and possibilities fit together. Her artistry lies in understanding what a creator hopes to convey and drawing its many elements together with clarity and purpose. She is most drawn to work that allows her to elevate other artists and bring meaningful ideas to life.
About the Illustrator, Shayna Renee Olivier (ShaynaPaints): “Hello everyone. I am a South African illustrator based in Cape Town. My work is done in watercolor, pencils, and fineliner. NO AI. I mainly illustrate children’s books for a living and have plenty of experience working with clients from all over the world. I am published with Penguin Random House and numerous wonderful self-published clients.”
An Axolotl In A Bottle — What would you do if you found a bottle floating in the sea? If you’re Squattle the Axolotl, you’d build a submarine, of course! Packed with imagination, laughter, and underwater adventure, this clever little axolotl proves that the biggest adventures can begin with the simplest ideas. Climb aboard the Sea Compass and join Squattle and all her fishy pals on an unforgettable journey that just might lead you home.
A Sock Monster Army — Julie Leda McSchmidt, an adventurous young lady, was folding her laundry when she suddenly noticed…ALL OF HER SOCKS HAD GONE MISSING! She realizes there must be a SOCK MONSTER living in her closet! Julie recruits her younger brother, Tristan, to build the GREATEST TOY ARMY the world has ever seen to vanquish the mythical beast! LET THE BATTLE BEGIN!!! Join Julie & Tristan on the first of their many EPIC adventures together!
Where’s The What Thing?! — In a world full of hustle and bustle, one curious question can bring everything to a HALT!!!…Take a break for a moment from the “Busy-Buzz-Biz-ness” of your day and come explore your imagination. Discover everything from unicorns and leprechauns, and bubble-powered balloons, to pelicans and elephants, and a lazy afternoon! Sometimes the best adventures begin when you dare to answer a single, silly question…”Where IS the What Thing?!”
Burplefizz Philosophizzm: Whimsies of An Accidental Poet, Book 1 — Dive into the whimsical land of Burplefizz where the delightful Purpleblurps reside. Come learn about their unique perspective on life where hearts are smarter than minds and joy is found in the simplest things. Embrace the philosophizzm and begin to see the world through Blurple-colored glasses!
A Squirrely Breakfast: Whimsies of An Accidental Poet, Book 2 — One morning, while out gathering breakfast, Twirl discovers that two mischievous Grizzlies have ransacked his winter food store! Come on this whimsical adventure and see how even the biggest messes can be “Chef’ed” into something marvelous!
Shy-rannosaurus Wrecks: Whimsies of an Accidental Poet, Book 3 — Meet Charles, a mighty young T-Rex who rules over all the creatures in his world… or so he thought! At a fancy Dino-Diner, Charles faces unexpected challenges as he tries to hold onto his Alpha-Rex status and make the other dinosaurs tremble. But what happens when things don’t go his way? Join Charles on this fun-filled adventure and discover that sometimes the best surprises come when you find a new friend in the most unlikely places.
If Whispers Could Wonder: Whimsies Of An Accidental Poet – Book 4 — If Whispers Could Wonder invites readers on a playful journey of imagination, where whispers ponder everything from koalas in pajamas to polar bear pirates. Dream big and explore the magic of your own curiosity. Let your wonder wander and listen closely…What will your whisper have to say?
Inkandescent Kids: What advice do you have for kids who want to become writers?
Be in love with words! Invest in learning the language in which you will be writing. Learn its nuances, its root structure (Latin, et al). If you understand a language, your words can be so powerful.
Don’t be afraid of criticism. Encourage feedback on your work. It will guide you to better writing. You don’t have to heed all advice, but you should hear it and make note. Criticism of your art is not failure. It is a tool to improve and enhance your voice. Use it to your advantage.
Study the genre(s) in which you hope to write. In other words…READ, READ, READ!
Not everything you write has to be printed. I have written HUNDREDS of little poems, lines, and thoughts. I am the only one who sees them. They make me smile when I read them. They bring me back to where I was when I thought about them. Keep everything you write! It will OFTEN be future inspiration!
Inkandescent Kids: How old were you when you knew you wanted to be a writer?
I’ve never really considered myself to be a writer. I have been writing poetry since I was
7 or 8 years old. I’m not sure people decide to become a writer. You either are, or you are not. It would be the same to me if asked “When did you decide you wanted to be creative?” or “Left-Handed?” I just am.
Inkandescent Kids: What is the most important thing you’ve learned about writing?
To always be thinking about writing. Use your environment to inspire you. Positive or negative, your experience in life is the ember of your voice. Harness it!
Inkandescent Kids: How did you get the idea for your books?
Most of the time, I get my ideas from little interactions in my life. Shy-rannosaurus Wrecks was inspired by a little boy I met at a book event in Lancaster, PA.
He was following his parents through the rows of tables, the whole time clutching a handful of plastic dinosaurs, pretending he was a T-Rex, stomping and roaring. He roared at me as he stomped past. I put my arms up (T-Rex style) and gave him a little “Smile-Rawr” back. He got a little spooked and went and hid behind his dad’s leg.
After a few seconds, he poked his head out with a shy smile. I thought to myself, “Aww, he’s a Shy dinosaur.” I immediately grabbed my notebook and started writing.
Sometimes, ideas come to me from a single word. When I learned about axolotls, the first thing that came to mind was “That rhymes with Bottle!” and I went from there.
Inkandescent Kids: What do you hope readers will take away from your story?
That thinking silly things and writing things that make YOU smile is OKAY!
Inkandescent Kids: What was it like to see your work published?
Not gonna lie…I cried! It was incredibly emotional to see our books in print! I NEVER thought
anything I wrote would be something others would read, let alone celebrate! Every time we have a new book published now, I still get a little verklempt. If you create something with your heart and soul, it doesn’t matter how many “units” you sell. You are OFFICIALLY a creative that has contributed to the world in a positive way! No one can EVER take that away from you!
Above: Check out our interview with Kerri and our publisher, Hope Katz Gibbs. And scroll down to read about Kerri’s journey.
Meet the Author: Kerri Hagerty is a dedicated law enforcement officer who has proudly served her community for over 20 years. Through roles ranging from patrol officer to detective, she has received several awards, including Officer of the Year, Officer of the Month, two Life Saving Awards, and numerous public commendations.
Beyond the badge, Kerri is also an accomplished children’s book author. Inspired by her real-life adventure dog, Olive, her stories chronicle their surfing and camping escapades. Through Olive’s journeys, Kerri teaches young readers valuable lessons about overcoming their fears and the power of friendship.
When she isn’t in uniform or writing, Kerri is a true outdoor enthusiast. Whether she is catching waves, solo backpacking through remote wilderness, or exploring new corners of the globe, she finds her greatest inspiration in nature. Kerri lives the very lessons she writes about-continually seeking adventure, overcoming fear, and embracing the beauty of this world.
About the Books: The author and the real-life Olive live in their very own version of Sandy Cove. They actually surf, hike, camp and go on an assortment of adventures together. The Adventures of Olive and the Very Best Day Ever series was inspired by the timid little puppy who grew up to become the ultimate adventure dog and woman’s very best friend. Olive’s joy and zest for life touches everyone she meets; we hope she inspires you and brings joy to your day!
Tell Inkandescent Kids about The Adventures of Olive!
The Adventures of Olive and the Very Best Day Ever is a book series inspired by my real-life adventure dog, Olive. As a puppy, Olive was timid and afraid of almost everything. Through our years of friendship and encouragement, Olive learned to overcome her fears and try new adventures. In the books, Olive and her animal friends show readers that courage isn’t about never being afraid; it’s about taking that first brave step. Their adventures are full of fun and laughter, but the message is a reminder that there isn’t any fear that you can’t overcome with a little help from your friends.
Inkandescent Kids: What advice do you have for kids who want to become writers?
Believe in yourself and don’t let anyone stand in the way of your dreams. Read as many books as you can, write often, and remember that every great author started with a blank page. Your stories matter because no one else sees the world quite the way you do.
Inkandescent Kids: How old were you when you knew you wanted to be a writer?
I always had a love for reading, but I never imagined I would become a writer until I was an adult. That taught me the important lesson that it’s never too late to follow a dream. We all have our own path, and every experience along the way helps shape the stories we’re meant to tell.
Inkandescent Kids: What is the most important thing you’ve learned about writing?
The most important thing I’ve learned is that writing is rewriting. Your first draft doesn’t have to be perfect; it just has to exist. The best stories are created by being patient, making improvements, and believing in yourself. Even if it takes you 10 rewrites.
Inkandescent Kids: How did you get the idea for your book?
The series was inspired by Olive’s real-life journey. Olive started out as a timid little puppy who was afraid of everything and grew up to become my constant companion and the ultimate adventure dog. Through the power of friendship, Olive learned to overcome her fears and try new adventures. Watching her grow gave me the idea to write stories that encourage children to be brave and try new things. Somehow when you have a best friend by your side, it is easier to try new adventures. Today, Olive is my brave four-legged best friend who really surfs, hikes and camps with me.
Inkandescent Kids: What do you hope readers will take away from your story?
I hope that readers take away two things from my books, encouragement and joy. I want children to know that it’s okay to feel scared sometimes, but fear does not have to stop them from trying something new. Encouragement to try new things and not let fear hold you back from accomplishing your dreams and goals. I hope readers also see the joy in life and realize that there is a great big beautiful world waiting for them to explore it.
Inkandescent Kids: What was it like to see your work published?
Seeing my first book published was a dream come true. Holding it in my hands for the first time was both exciting and surreal. More than anything, it reminded me that big dreams can become reality when you’re willing to work hard and believe in yourself.
Find out more about Kerri Hagerty, her books: hang20books.com
And be sure to follow Kerri Hagerty on social media!
Welcome Jessieca Montgomery Riley, owner of Speak EZ for Kids and Author of the four book series on Public Speaking for Kids & Teens and “Leo Gets and Assignment” (2027 release). Jessieca Montgomery Riley will be exhibiting at our Inkandescent Kids Book Fair on August 8!
Inkandescent Kids: What advice do you have for kids who want to become writers?
Jessieca Montgomery Riley: Just do it! Remember — it’s your story, and only you can tell it. Don’t worry about being the best writer, reader, speller (even though those skills matter) or storyteller. Write everything down, then shape your ideas into a story — fiction or non-fiction. The important part is simply beginning. Many writers delay sharing their stories because they want everything to be perfect from the start. It’s never perfect in the beginning. Writing is a journey, not a destination. Enjoy the experience.
Inkandescent Kids: How old were you when you knew you wanted to be a writer?
Jessieca Montgomery Riley: I’m not sure how old I was, but I’ve always wanted to share my stories with anyone willing to listen.
Inkandescent Kids: What is the most important thing you’ve learned about writing?
Jessieca Montgomery Riley: Everyone has a story to tell — and writing takes time. It’s okay to take breaks, but it’s even more important to finish.
Tell Inkandescent Kids about the Speak EZ for Kids books!
Jessieca Montgomery Riley: Speak EZ for Kids activity books give children a fun and engaging way to learn public speaking skills. The books explore topics such as the Fundamentals of Public Speaking, Types of Speeches, Timing, and the Sounds & Words We Choose. The Public Speaking for Teens book covers the same topics in a more mature, relatable way for older students.
Inkandescent Kids: How did you get the idea for your books?
Jessieca Montgomery Riley: For over five years, I taught public speaking to children in my community and throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. I loved the in-person training, but in 2019 I wanted to share my lessons with children and teens everywhere. Once I decided on a coloring-and-activity-book format, I was off and running. Public Speaking for Teens was published in 2025.
Inkandescent Kids: What do you hope readers will take away from your story?
Jessieca Montgomery Riley: I want children and teens to understand the importance of communication. It’s not about being perfect or speaking with flawless clarity — it’s about being brave enough to stand in front of others. Anyone can be an effective communicator, whether they’re talking to friends or strangers. Learning the fundamentals of public speaking is a gift for both extroverts and introverts. For me, teaching these skills is a joyful experience.
Inkandescent Kids: What was it like to see your work published?
Jessieca Montgomery Riley: Sweet! Seeing my published books is incredibly rewarding. It means someon
e somewhere will have the chance to read and learn from my work for years to come.
Find out more about Jessieca Montgomery Riley, her books, and Speak EZ for Kids on her website: https://speakezforkids.com
A note from Ellen Smith, Inkandescent Kids Editor: publishing your work is exciting! If you haven’t had the opportunity to publish before, figuring out how to submit your work can be difficult. At Inkandescent Kids magazine, we want to help young writers and artists see the process from start to finish. Let’s break down one of the most important parts of submitting work for publication: writing a cover letter.
What is a Cover Letter?
A cover letter is a short, professional letter that explains who you are, what your work is about, and why you want this opportunity. Any time you apply for a position or submit your work to be published, expect to write a cover letter! Even though many publications accept submissions through a web form, there is usually a text box to include a letter. This is a way for you to introduce yourself to the editor before they see your submission!
Cover letters are short, specific, and professional.
Short
Most guidelines will tell you that a cover letter is one page long. That can be confusing. A lot of cover letters are sent through email or in a text box on a submission form—so how do you know what “one page” looks like?
Here’s a good rule of thumb: one page is about 250 words. If all the text in your cover letter is less than 250 words, it’s not too long!
For new artists and writers, try to make your cover letter at least 100 words. Since you probably don’t have a resume or portfolio of other published work, your cover letter is the best way for the editor to see what you’re interested in, what you’ve already done, and what you’re excited to learn!
Specific
Include specific information about your submission or the opportunity you’re asking for. Instead of “here is my poem about puppies,” tell the editor the title and a little about your poem: “My poem “Finding Fido” is attached. I wrote this on the day my brothers and I met our new poodle!”
If you’re writing a cover letter to go with an application, share details about the specific opportunity you’re after. For example, Inkandescent Kids offers several mentorships. If you’re applying to the Student Editor mentorship experience, say that you’re excited to work with a team. If you’re applying for the Art mentorship experience, talk about what you hope to learn about creating a magazine cover. These details show the editor why you are interested.
Professional
For kids, writing in a professional tone is like speaking to a teacher or a friend’s parent. You don’t need to sound like an adult yourself, just be polite, friendly, and respectful!
How to Write a Cover Letter: Step by Step
Think of your cover letter as having a beginning, middle, and end. We’re going to call these the greeting, body, and closing.
Greeting
Try to address your cover letter to a specific person that will be reading submissions. When you’re submitting writing, art, or photography, that’s probably going to be an editor.
We tried to make this part easy: the editor of Inkandescent Kids is Ellen Smith (that’s me!) I don’t have a degree like Doctor or a position like Professor, so the professional way to address me would be “Dear Ms. Smith.”
If you’re submitting to a publication and can’t find the name of their editor, it’s also okay to start your letter with “Dear Editor.”
Body
This is where you explain what you are submitting and why you think it is a good fit for this publication. Here are some ideas to get you started:
“I am submitting…
“I am applying for….”
“I have shared my work before at…”
“My piece is about…”
“I thought this would be good for Inkandescent Kids magazine because…”
“I want to work with a mentor so I can learn…”
Closing
Now that you’ve explained what you are submitting and why, it’s time to end your letter by saying goodbye and signing your name. This can be a sentence saying “I hope to hear from you soon,” or “Thank you for the opportunity.” You can also write just one word, like “Sincerely,” or “Best.”
Don’t forget to write your name at the bottom!
Congratulations! You have written a cover letter! Just like you would with any other writing, check it over for spelling and ask a family member or teacher to read it with you. Then hit send!
Remember, if an editor is asking for a cover letter, that means they will be excited to hear from you! My very favorite thing about being a magazine editor is hearing your ideas and seeing your submissions. The founder of Inkandescent Kids magazine, Hope Katz Gibbs, started this magazine because she knows how important it is for kids to share their ideas and dreams.
Examples of Cover Letters By Kids
For many kids, writing a cover letter is a new skill. Sometimes seeing an example can help us see how the parts of a cover letter all come together! Here are two examples:
Example 1:
Dear Ms. Smith,
I am submitting my article, “Free Books For Everyone,” to the January/ February issue of Inkandescent Kids magazine. My article is 500 words long. I wrote about how my friends and I made our own library for our neighborhood. I thought it would be good for the January/ February issue because the theme is “friendship,” and the library is something my friends and I did together. I would like to see my story printed in your magazine.
Thank you for reading my article. I hope to get a reply from you soon. Please email me at my dad’s email address: example@example.com.
Sincerely,
Evie
Example 2:
Dear Ms. Smith,
I am excited to apply for the Inkandescent Kids art mentorship experience. I have always loved art and I want to be a graphic designer when I grow up! I have had my work displayed at the Redacted Art Center in my city. My watercolor painting, Zebras on Parade, was one of three pieces chosen from my school! It was cool to see my artwork displayed, but I’m really curious about designing cover art and illustrating books. I would love to create the cover for your next magazine issue!
I see the art mentor is Mr. Gibbs, who is an artist himself. If I am chosen for the art mentorship, I hope I will learn about making art that feels like me but also meets the needs of a client.
Thank you for the opportunity. I hope to hear from you soon!
About Austin: There’s profession, and there’s passion. Sometimes they collide. Curiosity & Connection is the collision of 14 years leading social media, digital, and influencer marketing for top brands professionally while exploring Washington, D.C. and the world personally. Growing social platforms into the millions and launching award-winning campaigns while publishing travel guides for The Washington Post, Curiosity & Connection is the accumulation of both worlds. It’s the vehicle in which Austin K. Graff harnesses curiosity to build connections for people and brands through social media consulting, writing, and publishing travel guides. Learn more: austinkgraff.com
About his co-author: Austin’s daughter Addy is a native Washingtonian and rising fourth grader who loves adventures, soccer, rock climbing, and slime.
111 Places for Kids
About 111 Places for Kids in Washington That You Must Not Miss:Washington, D.C. is more than politics – it’s a vibrant, kid-friendly city where families can explore, learn, play, and make lasting memories together at every turn.
There’s more to Washington, D.C. than politics. Beyond the suits and monuments, the nation’s capital is a playground for kids of all ages. Where else can you find a hidden slide inside a public library or rent paddle boats surrounded by iconic memorials and monuments? Fairy gardens, dinosaur parks, swings, and themed playgrounds pop up everywhere, offering adventures at every turn. Kids can also taste the world without leaving town – empanadas from Latin America, Asian-inspired ice cream, and bustling food halls.
Museums aren’t just for grown-ups either: create at the Hirshhorn’s art carts or join a scavenger hunt at the National Portrait Gallery. Families can hike Civil War-era trails, cheer at Nationals Park, or step inside a mansion with 80 secret doors once visited by Rosa Parks. Washington, D.C., is a place where kids can discover history, science, art, and more – all while having a blast and making lasting memories. Explore these 111 kid-friendly spots and uncover a city that’s fun, surprising, and unforgettable.
Scroll down for our Q&A with Austin: Don’t miss this!
Inkandescent Kids: What advice do you have for kids who want to become writers?
Austin Graff: Read, read, read. As you read other people’s writing, spend time reflecting on what makes it great. It’s a gift that we can learn from the millions of writers who have gone before us.
Inkandescent Kids: How old were you when you knew you wanted to be a writer?
Austin: When I was a child, I loved writing stories in school. That passion carried with me from elementary school to university. When I got older, I told myself I’d never write a book because of the work it takes. When my publisher offered me a contract to write this book, my wife encouraged me to do it simply so we could have a tangible memory of my daughter and me exploring all of D.C.
Inkandescent Kids: What is the most important thing you’ve learned about writing?
Austin: Just start writing. Every month, I had 10-12 chapters due to my editor. Some months, I felt uninspired, but if I just started writing, the words would eventually flow.
Tell Inkandescent Kids about 111 Places for Kids in Washington That You Must Not Miss.
Austin: My publisher has a series of books in most major cities around the world built around visiting 111 places. Washington, D.C. has a few versions, including one for Black history and women’s history. My book is the kids’ version. My now nine-year-old daughter and I walked every street and alley in all 136+ D.C. neighborhoods and kept a running list of our favorite kid-friendly spots from playgrounds to museums to restaurants. This book is essentially my daughter’s favorite places in her hometown of Washington, D.C.
Inkandescent Kids: How did you get the idea for your book?
Austin: I’m friends with Andrea Seiger, the author of 111 Places in Washington, DC That You Must Not Miss. She had heard our publisher was looking for someone to write a kids’ version for D.C. She put my name forward and the rest is history.
Inkandescent Kids: What do you hope readers will take away from your story?
Austin: I wrote the book not just for tourists, but also for locals. All 111 places are in every part of the city of D.C. My hope is that it sparks curiosity to explore D.C. as a whole and see the human side of the nation’s capital.
Inkandescent Kids: What was it like to see your work published?
Austin: My daughter is the most proud! Since she’s a big part of the book, she’s so proud. Every time we see it in a bookstore, she squeals and runs over to see it. It’s so fun to see!
Welcome Emilia Renay, a YA author who will be exhibiting at our Inkandescent Kids Book Fair on August 8!
About the author:Emilia Renay is the author of Bluejay Odyssey, a fierce advocate for the realistic representation of disabilities. Emilia draws inspiration from her own experiences overcoming medical adversity. But while her journey has been filled with incredible obstacles, Emilia is much more than her medical history. She is an avid reader, a lover of storytelling, and someone who believes in the power of imagination to change the world.
When she’s not writing, Emilia can be found painting or drawing. Creating the art seen in the series. Bluejay Odyssey is her debut series, and she’s excited to share the stories of characters who, like her, refuse to be defined by their struggles.
Stay connected with Emilia for real-time updates and behind-the-scenes glimpses of her creative journey through the links at the bottom of the page. Learn more: bluejay-odyssey.org
Inkandescent Kids: What is the most important thing you’ve learned about writing?
Emilia Renay: The most important thing I’ve learned about writing is to keep moving forward. There will always be more to learn, more room to grow, and more opportunities to develop your style, but you can’t hold yourself back waiting for perfection. One of the best parts of self‑publishing is the freedom to release your work without tailoring it to the general public. I can admit that Bluejay Odyssey has a few misspellings in the first book, but because I’m publishing it myself, I can always go back later and update both the grammar and the art. I never would have become an author if I had waited until the book felt perfect to me.
Inkandescent Kids: Tell Inkandescent Kids about Bluejay Odyssey!
Emilia Renay: Bluejay Odyssey is the first book I’ve ever published. As the opening installment in a six‑book series, it’s a YA sci‑fi fantasy story that follows dual protagonists Krynn and Jay. Krynn, the captain of a group of galactic bounty hunters, discovers an unexpected stowaway—a human—on their ship. Known for their fierce aggression and resilience, they are often perceived as nothing more than mindless brutes, fit only for underground fight rings, but Jay is different. She has no memory of her life before being found aboard the ship. As Captain Krynn and his crew investigate the mystery surrounding their unexpected guest, they uncover a startling truth: humans are far more complex and sentient than anyone ever imagined. As they travel across the galaxy, exploring new and mysterious worlds, they must also confront the looming threat of the Infestors, a relentless robotic race capable of deconstructing matter at the atomic level.
Amidst the cosmic battles and unfolding mysteries, Bluejay explores the powerful theme of found family and presents a realistic representation of mental and physical disabilities. In a race against time, Krynn and Jay must discover the hidden truths that could change the fate of the galaxy forever. Amidst the cosmic battles and unfolding mysteries, Bluejay explores the powerful theme of found family and presents a realistic representation of mental and physical disabilities. In a race against time, Krynn and Jay must discover the hidden truths that could change the fate of the galaxy forever.
Inkandescent Kids: What do you hope readers will take away from your story?
Emilia Renay: My biggest hope for my story is that it helps readers feel seen. Bluejay Odyssey draws from my own life
and focuses on showing realistic disabilities in its characters. My goal is to connect with readers so they feel represented while still providing them with a sci-fi fantasy story that’s entertaining and fun.
The second book in the Bluejay Odyssey series, Hunt for the Homeworld, releases this August!
Find out more about Emilia Renay and her books at her website: https://bluejay-odyssey.org/
A Note from Ellen Smith, editor, Inkandescent Kids magazine —There are some cookbooks in my kitchen that are still in pristine condition. But the best cookbooks are stained, wrinkled, and held together by packing tape. These kitchen staples won’t become family heirlooms–I’m not even sure these tried-and-true volumes will survive another decade! When my kids are in the kitchen with me, though, I hope that I’m passing down all the things I love about cooking.
Naturally, my kids have amassed several of their own cookbooks. Pictured here are three of their favorites:
Turkey Burgers are an easy, healthy meal kids can make with their parents! Add any toppings you love. Recipe by Chef Kim Katz, mom of Emma and Alejandro
Don’t be fooled by the picture: I used some creative angling (and a little Photoshop) to hide the evidence of how often these cookbooks have been used. Just like my trusty favorites, these books have handwritten notes in the margins, bookmarks between wrinkled pages, and a few places they’ve been patched up with tape. Those are the marks of a great cookbook: they’re well-loved and well-used!
What makes these three cookbooks such a hit with the youngest cooks in our family? I’ll let them tell you!
This cookbook has real science experiments for questions like “what is gluten?” and “why do we salt our food?” After you do the experiment for each topic, the book explains the science behind it. Then the book includes some more recipes so you can practice the cooking skill you just learned about in the experiment. I liked the instructions and the pictures for each step.
I like making the food in this book for family movie night. I like pretending that I’m making food just like the princesses do in their movies. And a lot of the food is really good, too. We made the Te Fiti Tropical fruit punch for a Moana birthday party!
Ellen Smith, homeschool mom and editor, Inkandescent Kids magazine
We got this when we were studying different countries around the world. I liked the desserts best! Making brigadeiros was my favorite dessert. We used coconut milk instead of dairy milk because some people in our family can’t eat dairy. It still worked and they were really good!
by Ellen Smith, editor, Inkandescent Kids magazine
“Building connection through stories.” That’s how Carol Gray speaks of the social stories she introduced for her students in 1990. As a special education teacher, Ms. Gray worked with children that were on the autism spectrum. She began writing short narratives that explained social information that her autistic students might not understand. By sharing this information in a narrative style, Ms. Gray’s students knew what to expect and how to participate.
Since then, social stories have been used all around the world! Social stories are usually meant to convey information clearly to people on the autism spectrum so they will know what to expect. Social stories are also helpful for people with many other needs.
You might see a social story on an event website or at a popular attraction. As a kid reporter, you might also notice a situation where a social story would be nice to have.
In honor of Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month, let’s learn how to write a social story!
Social stories use a combination of expressive sentences and coaching sentences.
Use expressive sentences to explain what your reader will likely see, hear, or feel.
“First you will walk through a revolving door. The door moves on its own! The glass doors spin slowly, but the floor does not move.”
Use coaching sentences to explain what the reader should do.
“There is enough room for two or three people to walk together. If there are already three people in one section, I will wait until the door passes and go in the next section.”
Social stories can use illustrations to help make each step more clear.
Photographs are helpful for specific places and experiences.
Picture symbols, drawings, and clip art are helpful for illustrating general actions, like “walk in a line,” or “pay the cashier.”
3. Share your story!
If you write a social story about visiting a local park or playground, your local newspaper or the park’s website might like a copy! Ask if they would like to offer the story on their website or print a few copies to have at the entrance.
If your social story is about a specific event, make sure it’s available at least a week before! That gives your audience time to read your social story several times before they participate. Maybe including your social story with tickets or adding it as a download on the sign-up page is a good idea!
Results from the Inkandescent Kids Writing Challenge for April 17-24, 2026!
Thank you to everyone who entered the Inkandescent Kids Writing Challenge for April 17-24, 2026! We enjoyed seeing your social stories!
Congratulations to Rachel S., Ms. D’s class, and Ginny S., the finalists of our writing challenge! Please enjoy their social stories below:
About Nate’s journey: Nate got into book publishing in 2018 when his wife Jo heard him read his poem, “The Tale of the Christmas Wish Crackler,” to their boys on Christmas Eve. She encouraged him to publish the poem, and thousands of copies later, the beloved story has become a cherished family holiday tradition. The couple continues their literary adventure with plans for many more magical stories to come!
A Sock Monster Army — Julie Leda McSchmidt, an adventurous young lady, was folding her laundry when she suddenly noticed…ALL OF HER SOCKS HAD GONE MISSING! She realizes there must be a SOCK MONSTER living in her closet! Julie recruits her younger brother, Tristan, to build the GREATEST TOY ARMY the world has ever seen to vanquish the mythical beast! LET THE BATTLE BEGIN!!! Join Julie & Tristan on the first of their many EPIC adventures together!
Burplefizz Philosophizzm: Whimsies of An Accidental Poet, Book 1 — Dive into the whimsical land of Burplefizz where the delightful Purpleblurps reside. Come learn about their unique perspective on life where hearts are smarter than minds and joy is found in the simplest things. Embrace the philosophizzm and begin to see the world through Blurple-colored glasses!
Shy-rannosaurus Wrecks: Whimsies of an Accidental Poet, Book 3 — Meet Charles, a mighty young T-Rex who rules over all the creatures in his world… or so he thought! At a fancy Dino-Diner, Charles faces unexpected challenges as he tries to hold onto his Alpha-Rex status and make the other dinosaurs tremble. But what happens when things don’t go his way? Join Charles on this fun-filled adventure and discover that sometimes the best surprises come when you find a new friend in the most unlikely places.
What the Accidental Poet has to teach us
Not everything you write has to be printed. I have written HUNDREDS of little poems, lines, and thoughts. I am the only one who sees them. They make me smile when I read them. They bring me back to where I was when I thought about them. Keep everything you write! It will OFTEN be future inspiration! 
Inkandescent Kids: How did you get the idea for your books?
Inkandescent Kids: What do you hope readers will take away from your story?
Tell Inkandescent Kids about The Adventures of Olive!
Inkandescent Kids: What is the most important thing you’ve learned about writing?
Inkandescent Kids: What was it like to see your work published?
Inkandescent Kids: How old were you when you knew you wanted to be a writer?
Austin: My publisher has a series of books in most major cities around the world built around visiting 111 places. Washington, D.C. has a few versions, including one for Black history and women’s history. My book is the kids’ version. My now nine-year-old daughter and I walked every street and alley in all 136+ D.C. neighborhoods and kept a running list of our favorite kid-friendly spots from playgrounds to museums to restaurants. This book is essentially my daughter’s favorite places in her hometown of Washington, D.C.
Inkandescent Kids: Tell Inkandescent Kids about Bluejay Odyssey!
