In Goodyear, Arizona, a talented trio of siblings has made a splash in the children’s book market with the release of "Oregano Makes a Pizza." The book is the result of a year and a half of determination, creativity, and family collaboration. Sixteen-year-old Katelyn Granados, alongside her siblings Jake, 15, and Emma, 12, has brought to life the story of a cooking calico cat, illustrating the entire 31-page book with her own hands. According to a 12 News interview, weekly family meetings helped to brainstorm the book's content, combining their love for pizza and their adored family cat into a narrative that has excitedly made its way onto Amazon.
Seemingly destined to share their creative output, the Granados siblings also aim to soon release their second book, "Fig’s First Christmas." "It's going to be a fun one," Jake told 12 News, expressing the high spirits amidst the trio as they gear up to further their journey into the world of storytelling. This initiative not only showcases their passion but also serves as an inspirational beacon for other young writers and illustrators, with Emma encouraging peers not to "underestimate yourself too much."
In parallel to these young authors' venture, Stacey Hill, an elementary school teacher from Goodyear, has published "Goose and Moose Visit the Beach," aimed at imparting life lessons to children aged 3 to 8. Inspired by her own sons and their childhood nicknames, Hill, through her characters, reinforces the importance of kindness and empathy. In a statement obtained by West Valley View, Hill reveals that the story was born out of real-life experiences during family vacations to California, infusing the narrative with authentic charm.
Hill seamlessly incorporates learning into her books by including comprehension questions and vocabulary lists, aiming to teach through storytelling. She first tested her ideas with her first-grade students, who became her initial audience. Although she never met the illustrator, Steve McGinnis, she praises his ability to bring her vision to life visually. Hill plans to continue the series, focusing on character development in future books. She dedicates her substitute teaching schedule to promoting her books and literacy in schools.
