Two New Books This Summer: “Our Treehouse” and “Stella the Sea Slug”

Two New Books This Summer: “Our Treehouse” and “Stella the Sea Slug”

This summer marks an exciting chapter in my creative journey, as I prepare to publish two new children's picture books: Our Treehouse and Stella the Sea Slug. Both works are the result of heartfelt collaboration, imagination, and months of dedication—not only to the stories themselves but to the children behind them and the joy of storytelling that drives it all.

Our Treehouse, written by Emilia Zielinska-Bien and illustrated by me, tells the story of four friends who come together to build a treehouse. As they design, construct, and overcome obstacles, they learn valuable lessons about teamwork, creativity, and the magic of building something side by side. This book is a tribute to childhood dreams and the quiet strength of friendship, captured through watercolor illustrations that echo the wonder of nature and imagination.

On the other hand, Stella the Sea Slug, created by young author Yebon Lee, is a playful and whimsical story with unexpected turns and charming visuals. It invites readers into the quirky world of a sea slug with a surprise ending and a narrative that breaks convention in the most delightful way. 

As I prepare for the release of these two titles, I'm already sketching ideas for a third project to begin later this summer. Each book I help bring to life is a reminder of why I love this work: the merging of art, story, and the spark of a child’s imagination. I can’t wait to see where the next idea will take me.
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Stay tuned—there’s more to come.

This summer, I’m preparing to publish two delightful picture books--Our Treehouse, a story of friendship and imagination, and Stella the Sea Slug, a playful tale with a surprise twist. Here’s a glimpse into the creative journey and what’s coming next.

Writing is, at its core, an act of inner organization. Much like tidying a cluttered room or rearranging your belongings to create a more livable space, writing allows us to sort through the chaos of thoughts, discard what no longer serves us, and make room for clarity and renewal. It is not simply a creative output; it is a meditative process—a way of cleaning the emotional and mental dust that quietly accumulates in the corners of our daily lives.

As I have continued writing on my blog over the years, I have come to understand this truth more deeply. At first, writing was simply a way to document what I saw, felt, or created. But over time, it became something more profound: a space where I could examine my experiences, search for meaning in small moments, and transform ordinary days into reflections of purpose and insight. In this way, writing has helped me not just to get through each day, but to live each day with intention.

And it is not just about writing for others to read. The very act of writing—regardless of whether it is ever published—has a powerful effect. It resembles daily meditation, inviting stillness, focus, and awareness. Writing consistently leads to a life that feels more grounded, more reflective, and more connected to one’s values. It turns inward reflection into a practice, and that practice becomes a quiet force for personal growth.

This is why I believe so strongly in encouraging children and students to write—not just for school assignments, but as a habit of mind and heart. I hope they will write journals, stories, poems, or even letters to themselves. Through writing, they will learn not only how to communicate clearly, but also how to understand themselves and their world more deeply.

And that is why this project—of helping children write and publish their own books—is so meaningful to me. It is not simply about producing a finished book. It is about empowering young minds to discover their voices, to find meaning in their lives, and to learn that their thoughts and stories matter. Writing teaches them to shape their experiences into something lasting, something they can revisit and grow from. It is a gift they can carry with them for the rest of their lives.
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In nurturing these small but powerful acts of writing, we are planting seeds of reflection, resilience, and self-expression—seeds that, with time and care, will surely bloom.