The Heart Behind Fox and Butterfly

A Day That Inspired a Story

It was the spring of 2007. Winter rains gifted the Santa Ana Mountains, and the hills exploded in color — wildflowers glowing, bees buzzing, birds singing, the whole earth humming awake. My daughter and I wandered the trails with her Uncle Jason, who had a gift for noticing the small wonders in life.

As we walked in the crisp air, butterflies rose from the meadow in shimmering spirals. Jason laughed and called out, “Butterfly ballet!” Those two words hung in the air, weightless.

Before long, we were shouting those words whenever a butterfly would take flight.

Three months later, we lost our sweet Jason.

How a Story Became a Light

Writing this book became a way of keeping him near. Jason saw the world the way children do: curious, sincere, delighted by the tiniest things. I carry that same way of seeing into every page I write and illustrate.

Fox and Butterfly hold that spirit close. It’s a story about friendship, change, and the quiet beauty that emerges when we slow down enough to welcome it.

An Invitation to Notice the Little Things

I hope that when you read this story — to a child curled against your shoulder or to the child still tucked inside your heart — you’ll feel encouraged to look a bit closer at your own world. To recognize the tiny wonders and let them land softly in your imagination.

What’s Ahead for Little Hearts Press

A new chapter is beginning here, and I’m so grateful you’re walking beside me. As the book nears release, I’ll share updates, including the official launch date and Amazon listing.

For now, this little story is stretching its wings — and I can’t wait for you to meet it.