Some stories start with a character, some from an idea, and sometimes, one story becomes the beginning of something much greater. When I wrote The First Unicorn, my intention was to share a beautiful story about faith, miracles, kindness, and discovering God’s purpose for us. I never imagined that the little horse who first appeared on the pages of that book would eventually lead to an entire kingdom of stories, however, that is exactly what is happening!
Today, I’m excited to present The First Kingdom Stories – a new story series which unites the books that have already been published, the stories that are coming next, and the adventures being developed. And with it comes a new logo representing the world that connects them all. What do you think of it?
The Unicorn is the Key to the Kingdom
There’s a funny story behind why The First Unicorn became the beginning. Technically, The First Unibear was the first book. I mean, I wrote it when I was 10 years old. So why am I making The First Unicorn is the primary story? Besides the fact that there are now 3 First Unicorn stories; a bedtime story, an early reader and a full-length novel, I guess it’s because the Unicorn was always the most important character. I’ve always loved unicorns, and I know I’m not alone. Children are enamored by them, and yet if you ask a child why they love unicorns, I’m not sure any of us could give a good answer.
Our fascination is not about their sparkly beauty or magic. The unicorn represents something extraordinary – a magical world just beyond what we can see. Maybe we are drawn to them because they give children permission to imagine beyond the ordinary. They are powerful, yet not frightening. Beautiful and mysterious. They represent goodness, purity, healing, and most importantly, they invite children to ask: What if? What if the impossible was possible? What if there was more to the world than what we can see? What if the thing that make us different is actually what makes us special?
From One Unicorn to an Entire Kingdom
Based on the award-winning picture book, the new The First Unicorn full-length novel takes more advanced readers to Wonder Island for a deeper and more powerful journey of faith, sacrifice, and divine calling.
A young horse named Aden discovers that being different isn’t something to hide, it may be part of the very purpose God has given him. When an angel sent by God gives Aden a golden horn, the miracle that should reveal his purpose instead makes him an outcast. Rejected by the herd, Aden must leave behind the only home he has ever known. Alone, he chooses to trust God. And along the way, he discovers that faith isn’t always proven when life is comfortable. Sometimes faith means having the courage to follow God’s path when you are misunderstood, rejected, or afraid.
It is a story about kindness. Calling. Sacrifice. And Courage. And ultimately, about becoming who God created you to be. Sometimes being different is not the burden. Sometimes it is the blessing.
A Series I Didn’t Plan
Here’s where things get interesting. As I was writing The First Unicorn novel, I began creating ideas for other stories without fully realizing what I was doing. This book inspired the next 4 picture books! You see, God likes to show you who’s boss. And while I was calling the stories the First Series, He threw in an extra – The Turtle King – an idea shared from a fan.
Unplanned. Completely separate. Yet, I discovered its message was that of Leadership & Wisdom…. What better message for the First series, but this book didn’t have the word ‘first’ in the title. Hence a brainstorming session had to happen.
Why a Kingdom?
I didn’t want these stories to feel like a collection of unrelated animal adventures. I wanted them to be easily found. To feel as though they belonged somewhere. A place where extraordinary things can happen. A place where a unicorn can discover his calling, a little bear can learn the power of kindness, a turtle can become a king without ever seeking a crown, and a tiny bird can become a symbol of comfort and hope.
It is not about merely teaching children the meaning of kindness, courage, humility, faithfulness, and love. No, it is all about showing them through the characters how to live a life full of such virtues. And this is because sometimes a story manages to reach the heart where a lesson never can.
Meet the First Kingdom
This is a collection of full-color rhyming picture books set within a magical kingdom, where each remarkable creature has a story to tell and a lesson to share. The new series brings together the books already published and the stories yet to come. Some in illustration, some seeking an illustrator and some being written as we speak. Here they are:
The First Unicorn — Miracles & Faith
Aden is visited by God’s angel and is gifted the golden horn to help others. This story is about love, acceptance, kindness and giving. It is the story of the First Unicorn and how God’s creation would succeed at greatness.
The The First Unicorn collection includes:
- Early-reader picture book
- Shorter rhyming bedtime story
- Full-length novel for middle-grade readers and up
- Coloring book
Available on Amazon
The First Unibear — Kindness & Love
A happy-go-lucky little bear follows a butterfly into the dark woods and discovers something extraordinary, a beautiful white horse who needs his help. What begins as an adventure becomes a lesson about following your heart, keeping goodness in your soul, and choosing to do good deeds.
Available on Amazon
The First Narwhal — Sacrifice & Courage
Sometimes doing what is right comes at a cost. When a beluga whale sees a harp seal pup being tossed helplessly in a storm, he doesn’t hesitate to help. He is willing to risk everything to save the frightened pup. The First Narwhal explores sacrifice and courage, reminding us that true courage isn’t simply being unafraid. Sometimes it means being willing to give something of ourselves for someone else.
Seeking a Talented Illustrator
The Turtle King — Leadership & Wisdom
A heartwarming story about a little turtle whose quick wits and leadership qualities, unite the ponds critters into working together to save their home. True leadership isn’t about standing above others. It is about standing beside them.
Currently in the Illustration Process!
The Faithful Cardinal — Presence & Comfort
Sometimes the greatest gift we can give someone isn’t an answer. It’s simply being there. A small winter bird keeps faithful watch over a grieving child through a long, lonely season. He doesn’t fly south when the winds grow cold. He stays. Wanting only for one grieving child to feel less alone. And when spring arrives, his faithfulness becomes a visible sign of comfort and hope for lonely hearts everywhere.
Story in Development
The Humble Donkey — Service & Obedience
A story about humility, purpose, service, and obedience. When a young donkey is chosen to carry a man into a town, he is suddenly surrounded by cheering crowds. For a moment, he feels important. But what he witnesses soon after changes everything. The First Donkey reminds us that we don’t have to be the strongest, loudest, or most important to make a difference. Sometimes the greatest calling is simply to serve.
Story in Development
The Guardian Fox — Protection & Guidance
A curious gray fox saves a child from drowning in a frozen lake. When the fox emerges from the freezing water, his gray fur has turned pure white and from that moment forward, he becomes a silent guardian for those who are lost. The Guardian Fox is a story about protection, courage, and finding your way when you are lost.
Story in Development
The First Alicorn — Prayer & Hope
Sometimes, when we don’t know what to do next, we pray. When a mountain unicorn finds himself facing an impossible choice, he takes the greatest leap of all, not knowing what lies beyond the edge, but trusting that God will provide a way. The First Alicorn explores prayer and hope, reminding us that faith doesn’t always mean knowing what will happen next. Sometimes it means trusting God enough to take the next step, even when we cannot yet see where it will lead. Sometimes you have to take the leap before you discover you can fly.
Story in Development
More Than a Collection of Books
The First Kingdom Stories are ultimately about something bigger than animals, adventures, or magical worlds. It’s about the kind of people we hope our children, and we ourselves, will become. I don’t know if I will do all 8 of these stories, but that is the plan currently. Of course, plans can change. I mean, I never dreamed this would all come from publishing the First Unibear – and yet, here we are! The New Logo, represents this next chapter. It is a visual reminder that all of these stories belong to one larger world. One great God! Welcome to the Kingdom. There is more to discover.
Believe in Miracles. Become One.
The First Unicorn didn’t just appear, he was chosen. Maybe your difference isn’t something to overcome, maybe it is something God will use. Maybe your gift isn’t meant only for you. Perhaps He gave it to you so that you could share it with someone else. Sometimes being different is exactly the point.
Welcome to The First Kingdom Stories.