Can you believe it’s been 3 months since we launched our little book of courage & connection?! I am in awe of how much has happened during this time and the very warm embrace that Monono has received from so many corners of the world. We have indeed felt the “brighter days” that Monono dreams about.
Amara, Kai, Eric and I are so grateful for your support. You have purchased our book generously, provided thoughtful reviews, and shared touching stories of our book being read by children who are genuinely connecting with Monono. Many of you have passed along copies to classrooms, families, libraries and other important organizations in our communities. Thank you!
At the start of 2025, I only had an edited manuscript — no illustrator, no designer, no launch strategy — and I knew the self-publishing route wouldn’t be easy. But I had a growing team of outstanding professionals around me and an undying commitment to Amara & Kai to get their story into print. Now at the end of 2025, we have more accomplishments and exciting developments than I can keep up with! I’ve included a few key highlights below. Check out my website periodically, as I add new content every few weeks.
Our momentum won’t always be this promising and we are fully cognizant of being a small fish in a very large pond of children’s books. 20,000 new children’s books are published EVERY year! But we will keep promoting Monono’s message and working on the sequel — and we hope you will continue to follow and support us in 2026!
BOOK AWARDS
After our 3 wins, BookFest sent us glossy seals to attach to our books, as well as a digital one that will be printed on the cover of all future copies.
They have also been actively promoting us among their social media audiences.
LIBRARY PLACEMENT
Monono is now in 5 branches of the Los Angeles County Library system!
Stay tuned for more library updates in early 2026.
MEDIA COVERAGE
I was interviewed by a weekly publication in Marin called the Pacific Sun.
The journalist wrote a thoughtful piece on the origin story behind our book and gave specific credit to Amara & Kai several times.
