Local Children’s Book Authors

June Akers

 

Photos by Hacker Medias

 

While raising her daughter with ADHD, June Akers realized an overactive brain could actually be like a superpower, and that the superpowers that helped Riley might help other kids too. “A really wonderful part of Riley’s life is the adversity she overcame as we discovered life skills to help her overactive little mind,” shares Akers. “Those skills turned into stories that I couldn’t get out of my heart and mind. I eventually said yes to the call of writing the “Riley Madison” books.”

Akers has since written three Riley Madison books, each developed around one of the “superpowers” Riley has used. “Most of the content is inspired by real-life situations and stories from Riley’s life, while playing up ridiculous storylines that make younger readers want to see what happens next,” she says. “When kids tell me they are like Riley Madison, I know I nailed her character by making her relatable to kids.”

Akers finds joy in reflecting on Riley’s experiences as part of the writing process, saying, “When I write, I sit at my computer and say a little prayer, asking God to give me the words to write my daughter’s story and share our journey.
I often find myself laughing with the words that explode out of my head and fun memories that come to mind.” While Akers focuses on writing, her daughter enjoys contributing to the books as well – the real Riley Madison is the proud illustrator, and the mother-daughter team is currently working on the fourth book.

The Riley Madison books have received praise from reviewers, winning a Mom’s Choice Gold Award and becoming a Reader’s Favorite Award finalist, in addition to a stellar review from the Kirkus Review. Akers has also received many touching stories of how Riley Madison’s character has helped families grow closer and children gain confidence.

“When they tell me they are using her superpowers and it’s helping them, I want to cry happy tears,” Akers says. “Raising a little one with ADHD is not easy. I’m grateful for the story that was given to me that will hopefully help other children and parents on a similar journey.” 

 

Children’s Books by June Akers:

Riley Madison Discovers the Superpower of Time

Riley Madison Discovers the Superpower of a Place

Riley Madison Discovers the Superpower of a List

Betsy Hibbett

 

Photos by Hacker Medias

 

While working as a local television reporter for the evening news, Betsy Hibbett realized she enjoyed writing. She began working on a novel and started writing children’s stories for fun as well. As she observed her four children’s outdoor adventures, she wrote her first picture book, “Backyard Breakfast,” which teaches children about sourcing food right from their backyard.

“I wrote ‘Backyard Breakfast’ in one sitting while watching my oldest toddle around our backyard amongst the veggie garden and chickens,” Hibbett says. “My books are about being outside and enjoying the simple pleasures of life with young children – gardening, cooking, and climbing trees.”

Following “Backyard Breakfast,” Hibbett wrote “Backyard Explorers,” which encourages kids to find adventure in their backyards, and “Little Fishermen,” which captures the joys of fishing with family and helps children celebrate the small things in life. “I aim to tell a simple, heartfelt story about the things that matter to our family and many other families – about the outdoors, growing and cooking real food, and togetherness,” she says.

Throughout the publication process, Hibbett finds joy in the writing, but she also loves the illustration process. “Working with an artist and watching a story come to life through someone else’s art is a dream,” she says. “I love that the books come alive with art.” Her passion for storytelling extends to the classroom as well, where she often conducts readings of her work to students. “I’m happy anytime I get to read one of the books to a classroom full of children,” she says. “If we’re reading it outside, even better.”

As for the future, Hibbett says there are always new ideas for books in her head, and she hopes to continue sharing stories. “Children’s books spark a love of reading and storytelling,” she says. “Plus, there’s nothing better than snuggles with a child and a stack of picture books.”

 

Children’s Books by Betsy Hibbett:

Backyard Explorers

Backyard Breakfast

Little Fishermen

Daniel (D.K.) Brantley

 

Photos by Rich Smith

 

Like all English majors, I thought I was going to write the great American novel,” laughs Daniel (D.K.) Brantley, reflecting on the beginning of his career as a writer and author. After a friend in publishing reviewed an early manuscript and suggested Brantley had actually written a children’s novel, the manuscript turned into his first middle-grade fiction book, “I’m 12 Years Old and I Saved the World.”

The book became the first in a trilogy, which follows the main character Adam through middle school. “Like most kids, Adam faces some difficult things,” Brantley explains. “His parents’ marriage threatens to fall apart, his neighbor gets diagnosed with cancer, and his parents consider moving.” In addition to the trilogy, Brantley has written several more children’s books for various ages, including picture books featuring classic monster characters who learn life lessons. “I like writing children’s books because it feels like there are fewer rules,” he says. “As long as the story is engaging, kids will come along for the ride.”

Brantley’s writing is often inspired by the everyday. He shares, “When I’m paying attention, inspiration is around every corner. An idea grabs hold of me and won’t let go. My goal is to get the stories out of my head and into kids’ hearts, speaking the truth in an age-appropriate way without sugarcoating.” This approach has landed well with parents and children alike, with Brantley’s books receiving thousands of positive reviews online. “One of the most memorable reviews I’ve received said that my book ‘Tame the Beast’ started a dialogue about the seeds of anger. It’s hard to beat that,” he says.

Currently, Brantley has a new middle-grade fiction book in the works, in addition to helping others self-publish books through his company Argyle Fox Publishing, including children’s books. He says, “Like all people, children love stories, and they deserve great stories. They long to know they’re not alone. While they’re still learning to process the world around them, they understand a lot more than we give them credit for. The stories we tell them should reflect that.”

 

Children’s Books by Daniel (D.K) Brantley:

I’m 12 Years Old and I Saved the World

I’m 13 Years Old and I Changed the World

I’m 14 Years Old and I Moved the World

Escape From Sewageland

Plain Old Frankie

Every Mummy Has a Mommy

Tame the Beast

Natalie Lloyd

 

Photos by Rich Smith

 

Natalie Lloyd has always loved stories. She grew up in what she lovingly refers to as a “big, loud, wacky Appalachian family,” surrounded by great storytellers and books. Her grandmother and several teachers encouraged her love of reading and writing, leading her to write her first novel
at 17, which she gifted to her grandmother.

Lloyd was born with brittle bone disease, leading to many bone fractures and health challenges. As a result, reading was often an escape. “Whenever a break happened, which was incredibly painful, I would go to Narnia in my mind,” she says. “The story was fictional, but the courage I found there was real. I’ve never doubted the power of children’s books.”

Lloyd continued to read and write and later took a children’s literature course in college, reminding her of her love for children’s literature and the power of storytelling. She recalls, “I reread ‘Charlotte’s Web’ and was blown away.
I loved the rhythm of the language, the vivid characters, and the sharp pacing. I finally tried writing from a young character’s point of view, and it felt so natural. Being able to write a novel for kids became the pinnacle goal.” Since then, she has written several books, won numerous awards, had one of her books purchased by former president Barack Obama, and became a New York Times bestselling author.

Lloyd is currently working on several writing projects, including middle-grade content and a young adult novel. When coming up with ideas for books, she draws inspiration from the world around her and often finds herself coming back to similar themes. “I usually write about kids who don’t quite fit anywhere,” she shares. “They’re too much, they might feel lonely, they’re dealing with heartaches or huge feelings. By the end, they’ve had a big adventure, developed confidence, and found their people.”

For Lloyd, one of the most rewarding parts of being an author is seeing children connect with her books and characters. She says, “The very best moments are when kids tell me why the books matter to them. Kids are the smartest, most big-hearted, most discerning readers. It’s an honor to write for them.”

 

Children’s Books by Natalie Lloyd:

The Witching Wind Hummingbird

A Snicker of Magic

The Key to Extraordinary

Over the Moon

The Problim Children Series

Silverswift (Audible Original)

Rita Lorraine Hubbard

 

Photos by Hacker Medias

 

Rita Lorraine Hubbard started writing as soon as she learned how. “In first grade, I wrote an original series I called ‘Little Lost Puppy’ and gave the books to classmates,” she shares. This early love of storytelling likely came from Hubbard’s home, where she and her five siblings would trade stories. “We all took turns making up bedtime stories to tell each other. After doing this for a while, I noticed it always seemed to be my turn,” she laughs.

Hubbard began her career as an elementary and middle school teacher, which she did for 20 years. “I loved telling my students original stories I had written,” she says. Hubbard continued to write and later took classes that teach writers how to map, organize, and complete stories. Now a full-time author, she draws inspiration from a very simple place – questions.

“A lot of my books begin as questions I had when I was young,” she explains. “When I was 10 years old, I visited the Mary Walker Foundation and discovered she only learned to read at 116. My question was why she had waited so long to learn? That question followed me into adulthood, and the answer led me to write ‘The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read.’”

Hubbard writes historical fiction and nonfiction books for both adults and children, with the goal of highlighting stories of important, but often lesser-known, historical figures. She shares, “I like giving 15 minutes of fame to people who did extraordinary things but were never recognized for their contributions. For example, in ‘Hammering for Freedom’ I highlight William Lewis, who spent over 25 years purchasing himself and his family members from slavery.” Hubbard has won more than 25 awards for her books, including the 2022 Rhode Island Children’s Book Award, the Comstock Read-aloud Award, and the Texas Bluebonnet Award, considered one of the most prestigious children’s choice literary awards in the U.S.

Hubbard’s newest picture book, “It’s Possible: The Story of Ronald McNair,” debuted in late January and an additional picture book will debut this summer. “I have a lot of stories taking up space in my head,” she says. “I would love to get them out and share them with the world.”

 

Children’s Books by Rita Lorraine Hubbard:

The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read

Hammering for Freedom

It’s Possible: The Story of Ronald McNair