Meet Roderick: A Dragon Facing Big Changes

Every hero has a beginning, and for Roderick, that beginning is in the lush, green hills of Wales. Growing up surrounded by friends and the freedom of the skies, Roderick cherished his home. Flying over rolling valleys, playing with other dragons, and exploring hidden caves—life was exactly how a young dragon would dream it to be.

But life has a way of surprising even the happiest of hearts. One day, Roderick’s parents announce a major change: the family must move to the wild and untamed expanses of Russia. Wales, they explain, is becoming crowded, and they want Roderick to have space to grow, explore, and fly freely—without the constant fear of humans misunderstanding their kind.

🌟 A Story for Children Navigating Change

Roderick’s Perilous Journey is more than a magical adventure; it’s a story that resonates with children who face life’s unexpected changes. Sometimes, decisions are made by others—parents, guardians, or mentors—that are for our safety and growth, even if they are hard to understand at first. Roderick’s journey shows young readers how courage, adaptation, and friendship can help them navigate these moments with resilience and hope.

🎨 Leo Chen: Bringing Roderick’s World to Life

Of course, Roderick’s story is brought to life in full color by the extraordinary Leo Chen. His art captures not only the beauty of Wales and the wild Russian landscapes but also the emotion, humor, and heart of every scene. Every illustration invites readers into Roderick’s world and allows them to feel the highs and lows of his journey firsthand.

A sketch of a dragon with curved horns and wings, leaning over a young person wrapped in a cloak, surrounded by trees and foliage.

✨ Stay Tuned for the Adventure

The journey isn’t over—Roderick’s Perilous Journey is preparing for its launch later this year! Subscribe today to get exclusive updates, sneak peeks, and a chance to follow along as the story and illustrations take shape. Be part of the adventure from the very beginning and watch Roderick soar into a new world.

An illustration featuring a dragon and aquatic creatures sitting around a fire in an underwater setting. The characters, including a green-skinned creature and a dolphin, are engaged in a meal, with bubbles rising in the water and plants around them.

📚 Adventure, courage, and heart await—join us on the journey!

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! ✨

Adventure Over Thunder Mountain — A Journey of Courage, Love, and Discovery

A story close to my heart

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.

👉 Find Adventure Over Thunder Mountain here: Available on Amazon

A serene illustration depicting a bamboo forest with a gentle stream flowing through.

Let’s connect

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.