Meet A. Elizabeth Orley

What Makes Someone Want to Write Children's Books?

It often begins with a spark—something small but magical. Maybe it’s the memory of seeing fireflies for the first time, their tiny lights flickering like the universe whispered just for you. Or perhaps it’s the hilarious disaster of misreading a recipe card as a child, turning cookies into something far less edible but infinitely more memorable. These moments, filled with wonder and mistakes, are where the seeds of storytelling are planted.

For me, it was these little flashes of childhood magic—the times when the world felt big and full of possibilities—that inspired me to write. I remember being scolded for using things for the wrong purpose, like trying to fix a broken vase with scotch tape. But even in those moments of chaos, there was a charm, a lesson, and a spark of creativity. These were the moments where life taught me to see the extraordinary in the ordinary, where mistakes became stepping stones, and where imagination became the bridge to something greater.

That’s what inspired me to create Little Mind Books. I wanted to write stories that show children (and remind adults) that life’s magic often comes from the unexpected. Mistakes happen—they’re inevitable—but they’re not the end of the story. Sometimes, using things for the wrong purpose can lead to something entirely new. And every time we learn about the world around us, we grow a little stronger, a little braver, and a little more in tune with the possibilities of life.

This journey has been more than just creating books; it’s become a family adventure. My children have been a part of the process every step of the way. They’ve helped me with illustrations, taken some of the pictures, and even let me use their little hands to model the things Sam, the star of our stories, does. These books are rooted in our lives, shaped by real events and memories that have touched us deeply.

Through the stories of Sam and Gigi, we hope to invite readers—young and old—on a journey of discovery. These tales celebrate the adventure of life, the joy of learning, and the beauty of imperfection. They are an invitation to reconnect with your own childhood wonder, to laugh at your mistakes, and to see the world through fresh eyes.

So come join us. Let’s celebrate the magic of growing up, the lessons learned from messes made, and the boundless creativity that comes from living life with an open heart. Together, let’s rediscover the joy of imagination, one story at a time.