Exclusive Content for Wings of Wisdom Readers!


Before the year is out, a brand-new adventure in the Wings of Wisdom series will take flight! Readers can look forward to a new installment that continues the series’ heartfelt blend of courage, wonder, and timeless wisdom.


Each of the existing Wings of Wisdom books will also be re-released with expanded content and new activities, offering readers fresh ways to engage with these beloved stories.


📚 The Wings of Wisdom Series

  • A Moon Dragon for Emmaline – When Emmaline discovers a winged dragon hiding in her moonlit garden, she learns that kindness can brighten even the darkest skies.
  • Princess Maja and the Zmaj – A princess must befriend a fearsome zmaj (dragon) to unlock the courage within her own heart.
  • Adventure Over Thunder Mountain – When young sisters set out on a daring flight over Thunder Mountain, they discover that bravery and teamwork can weather any storm.
  • Kella and the Sky Dances – Kella’s magical journey through the sky teaches her that real strength comes from choosing to soar despite fear.

And there’s more good news for our loyal readers!

If you’ve purchased (or plan to purchase) any of the Wings of Wisdom books and subscribe to the newsletter, you’ll receive exclusive free content—continuations of the stories you love, previously unpublished scenes, and other special extras from author M. M. Elmendorf Hopson.

To receive your bonus content, simply let M. M. Elmendorf Hopson know which book(s) you own and (please but not required) verify your purchase with either:
📸 a quick selfie holding the book, or
📝 a written review posted online.


Your support makes a world of difference! Authors depend on word-of-mouth recommendations, and every review, photo, and shared post helps others discover these meaningful stories.

Stay tuned here for upcoming release dates and further announcements as the Wings of Wisdom series spreads its wings once again! 🕊️


Posted by Ford Mountain Publishing


Folklore, Dragons, and Snow Maidens: The Roots of Roderick’s Perilous Journey

Every great children’s story begins with a spark of imagination, and sometimes that spark is found deep in the traditions of folklore. In the upcoming Roderick’s Perilous Journey, author M. M. Elmendorf Hopson draws upon the rich myths of both Wales and Russia to bring her characters to life in ways that feel both timeless and new.


🐉 The Welsh Dragon Tradition

Dragons have long been symbols of Wales—strength, courage, and resilience woven into their national identity. Young Roderick, the Welsh dragon at the heart of our tale, reflects that spirit, though his journey is not about conquest but about friendship, sacrifice, and stepping beyond what is familiar.

A sketch of a whimsical dragon amidst a forest, highlighting its playful character and intricate details in a fantasy setting.
An illustration of a friendly Welsh dragon lying in a snowy forest, surrounded by frosty pine trees and a small bird, capturing a whimsical and magical atmosphere.

❄️ The Snow Maiden: Snegurka’s Legacy

Perhaps the most intriguing folkloric influence is Snegurka, or the Snow Maiden, a figure beloved in Russian tales. Traditionally, she is depicted as a girl made of snow, often innocent and tragic, destined to melt away when she encounters human love.

In Roderick’s Perilous Journey, M. M. Elmendorf Hopson has reimagined Snegurka while honoring her roots. Rather than a passive figure, this Snow Maiden becomes a true friend and driving force of the story—her fate entwined with Roderick’s courage. By weaving together classic motifs with fresh storytelling, Snegurka transforms from folklore into a character children can empathize with and root for.

A character design sheet featuring various hat concepts for a female character, showcasing eight different styles labeled A to H.

Sketches of three different character designs for Snegurka, the Snow Maiden, showcasing various clothing styles and poses.

A collection of character designs featuring various outfits inspired by winter themes, showcasing different styles in shades of blue, white, and red, alongside color swatches.

🎨 Bringing Folklore to Life in Art

Words alone could never capture the full beauty of this tale, which is why we are so grateful for the incredible talents of Leo Chen. His art style and masterful use of color breathe life into every page—capturing icy landscapes, fiery volcanoes, and the delicate magic of Snegurka herself. Each illustration feels like a window into a world where folklore and imagination meet.


✨ Stay Connected

Roderick’s Perilous Journey is launching later this year, and we can’t wait to share more glimpses as the story continues to unfold. Subscribe today to keep up to date with this release and all of the imaginative projects Ford Mountain Publishing is bringing to life.

📚 Together, we’re building stories that inspire, delight, and stay with readers for years to come.

Coming Soon: Roderick’s Perilous Journey

A dragon. A snow maiden. A journey through fire and frost.

We’re thrilled to announce the upcoming launch of Roderick’s Perilous Journey—a whimsical, classic-style children’s tale brought to life through words, art, and imagination.

  • Story by: M. M. Elmendorf Hopson
  • Art by: Leo Chen
  • Activities & Adventures by: D. B. Hopson

This enchanting tale follows Roderick, a young Welsh dragon, as he braves the wild Kamchatka Peninsula to save his friend Snegurka, the snow maiden. With friendship, courage, and a touch of folklore magic, Roderick’s journey promises to warm hearts and spark imaginations across generations.


🌟 A Sneak Peek into the World of Roderick

We’re inviting you to step behind the scenes and be part of the creative process! Below are two early preview illustrations by the incredibly talented Leo Chen. These glimpses capture moments from Roderick’s adventure. They let you see how the story is coming to life—even before it’s finished.

A digital sketch of a character's face with a simplistic design against a dark, gradient background.

A collection of character sketches for the snow maiden from Roderick's Perilous Journey, showcasing various facial expressions and hairstyles.

💡 Activities, Adventures & Reader Fun

To make Roderick’s story even more magical, D. B. Hopson is designing activities and adventures that will let readers step into Roderick’s world. From puzzles and games to storytelling prompts, children will get to not only read the adventure but live it too.


🌌 Why Join Us Now?

Follow along during this stage to get exclusive updates. You’ll receive sneak peeks. You will also have the chance to watch a children’s classic being created. Your excitement and support help bring Roderick’s tale from imagination to reality.


✨ Stay tuned for the official launch date and get ready to embark on Roderick’s Perilous Journey! ✨

A Moon Dragon for Emmaline — A Gentle Story About Love, Loss, and Finding Light Again


When the hardest moments need the softest stories ✨

Children don’t always have the words for grief — but they feel it just as deeply as adults do. That truth was the heartbeat behind A Moon Dragon for Emmaline.

This tender story follows Emmaline, a young girl facing loss, who finds unexpected comfort in the form of a magical moon dragon. Through wonder, gentle imagery, and hope-filled words, the story gives children (and the adults reading alongside them) a way to talk about grief without fear.


The heart of the story

When Emmaline loses someone she loves, she feels the kind of sadness that seems too heavy to carry. But in her darkest night, the moon sends her a dragon — a shimmering friend who helps her see that even though someone is gone, love never disappears.

I wrote this book after walking through loss in my own family. I remember searching for words, for a story that could help explain grief in a way that was honest, but also full of hope. A Moon Dragon for Emmaline is that story — one I wish I had when I was little.


What children and families will take away

  • A safe way to talk about grief — through gentle storytelling and imagery that feels approachable for children.
  • Comfort in the middle of loss — showing that love remains even when someone is no longer present.
  • A sense of wonder — the moon dragon’s presence transforms grief into a space of hope, reminding children they are not alone.

Why this book matters

Stories about grief can feel heavy, but I wanted this one to carry a lantern of light. Children need to know that their feelings are valid, but also that healing and comfort are possible.

What makes this book unique:

  • A magical yet grounded metaphor for loss and love.
  • Gentle, lyrical writing that speaks to both children and adults.
  • Beautiful illustrations that bring the moon dragon’s comforting presence to life.

Who this story is for

🌙 Children ages 4–9 who may be experiencing grief or loss.
⭐ Parents, teachers, and counselors who need a resource for gentle conversations about death and remembrance.
💫 Families seeking a bedtime story that brings comfort and connection.


Final thoughts from the author

A Moon Dragon for Emmaline is a story about loss, yes — but also about love that never fades. It’s for the child who needs reassurance, the adult who longs for words, and the family that needs a moment of shared hope.

👉 Find A Moon Dragon for Emmaline here: Available on Amazon


A visually appealing book cover for 'A Moon Dragon for Emmaline,' featuring enchanting illustrations of a moon dragon and a young girl, ideal for children and families.

Let’s connect

Have you ever found comfort in a story during a time of grief? 🌙 Share your experience in the comments — your words might bring hope to someone else walking the same path.


Kella and the Sky Dances — A Tale of Wonder and the Power of Determination

The inspiration behind the story

When I dreamed up Kella and the Sky Dances, I wanted to capture that magical moment every child has when they look up at the night sky and feel both small and limitless at the same time.

Kella is a dragon dreamer. She watches the sky each evening and feels the pull of something greater — a longing to be part of the dazzling “sky dances” that light up the heavens. But dreams this big don’t come without challenges. Along her journey, Kella must discover not only how to reach the sky, but also how to believe in herself when doubt and fear threaten to weigh her down.

This is more than a bedtime story. It’s a celebration of wonder, imagination, and the courage it takes to follow the calling inside your heart.


What readers will discover

The beauty of imagination
Kella’s journey begins with wonder — that spark children feel when they gaze at something bigger than themselves. Through her story, I wanted to remind readers that imagination is powerful enough to move us toward extraordinary things.

Courage to follow your dreams
Like many of us, Kella encounters voices of doubt. But with each step, she learns that believing in her dreams means believing in herself.

Lyrical illustrations and magical skies
One of my favorite illustrations shows the sky bursting into waves of color as Kella finally sees the sky dances up close. The artwork captures both awe and joy — the kind of beauty that makes children want to reach out and touch the stars.


Why this book is special

I wrote Kella and the Sky Dances to give children more than just a story — I wanted to offer them a spark of hope and imagination that lingers long after the last page.

  • A celebration of wonder — Kella’s perspective reminds children (and adults!) that the world is full of magic if we dare to look.
  • A gentle but powerful lesson — Dreams matter, and they’re worth pursuing even when challenges arise.
  • Illustrations that inspire awe — The skies, the colors, and the movement throughout the pages create an atmosphere as enchanting as the story itself.

This book is meant to be read aloud, shared, and cherished — a perfect reminder that no dream is too big.


Who this story is for

🌙 Children ages 4–9 who love stories full of color, imagination, and magic.
⭐ Parents, teachers, and caregivers who want stories that spark creativity and resilience.
💫 Families looking for a bedtime story that inspires hope and wonder.


Final thoughts from the author

Writing Kella and the Sky Dances was pure joy. It’s a story for dreamers, for little ones who look at the night sky and whisper, “What if…?” My hope is that it inspires children to hold tightly to their dreams and to believe in their own light — no matter what.

👉 Find Kella and the Sky Dances here: Available on Amazon


An illustrated book cover of 'Kella and the Sky Dances' featuring a young dragon named Kella with a colorful, abstract background representing dancing skies and starry night. The cover includes the title and author details.

Let’s connect

Do you remember a dream you had as a child that felt as big as the sky? 🌌 Share your story in the comments — I’d love to hear it!