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.
💡 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! ✨
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.
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.
When I began writing Adventure Over Thunder Mountain, I wanted to create a story that felt timeless — one that could both entertain children and inspire them to find courage in the face of challenges.
The story follows two sisters, Sumi and Mei, who live in a quiet farming village. Sumi, the elder, is steady and protective, while Mei is curious and full of wonder. Their world changes when their mother becomes gravely ill and must travel across the formidable Thunder Mountain to seek care.
Left behind and filled with worry, the sisters make a brave choice: they set out to cross the mountain themselves.
As both an author and someone who treasures family deeply, I wrote this story with my own loved ones in mind. I often imagined how children might respond when faced with fear, uncertainty, and the need to be brave. That question became the heartbeat of this book.
What readers will discover
✨ Courage in the face of fear Thunder Mountain is more than a place — it’s a symbol of the unknown. Through Sumi and Mei’s journey, I wanted to show that bravery doesn’t mean being fearless, but moving forward despite fear.
✨ The power of love & family The sisters’ bond carries them through every step. Sumi’s quiet strength and Mei’s joyful hope balance one another, proving that love is expressed in many ways.
✨ Resilience & wonder Each challenge teaches them to grow stronger. Along the way, magical creatures and vivid natural scenes unfold. One of my favorite illustrations shows the girls’ tiny lantern glowing bravely against a stormy, lightning-lit sky — a reminder that even the smallest light shines in darkness.
Why this book is special
There are many children’s adventure stories out there, but I wrote Adventure Over Thunder Mountain to stand apart:
Characters with heart — Sumi and Mei are relatable, imperfect children who learn and grow through their journey.
Illustrations that spark imagination — The artwork is rich and detailed, inviting young readers to pause and explore.
Themes that last — Beyond adventure, this story encourages conversations about love, courage, and resilience.
This book isn’t just for storytime — it’s a lasting conversation starter for families.
Who this story is for
📚 Children ages 5–10 who love adventure with both magic and meaning. 👩👧 Parents, teachers, and caregivers seeking stories that spark imagination and deeper conversations. 💛 Families who want to celebrate courage, love, and the strength to keep moving forward.
Final thoughts from the author
Writing Adventure Over Thunder Mountain was a labor of love. My hope is that families who read it together will be reminded that even in life’s storms, we are stronger than we think — especially when we walk together.
If you’re looking for a children’s book that inspires bravery, nurtures family bonds, and lingers in the heart long after the last page, I invite you to join Sumi and Mei on their unforgettable adventure.
I’d love to hear from you! What was a “Thunder Mountain” in your own childhood — a challenge that felt impossible at first, but taught you something about courage or love? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
