A Banana Slug Gets Her Name

"I wanted to create a story that celebrates nature while teaching children essential life skills for finding joy in every moment," says Susanne Hovis, the author behind the Joy Stories series. "Through the banana slug's adventures, readers will explore the wonders of nature while discovering ways to remain aware of the power that joy has to support us every day."

Prepare to be enchanted by the whimsical world of Joy Stories: A Banana Slug Gets Her Name.

This delightful children's book is about a shiny, sparkly, banana slug who knows just how to connect with her joy in every moment. As she explores the world in which she lives, deep in the Pacific Northwest forest, she draws the attention of a fellow forest dweller, Fred the frog. Through their exchange, the banana slug teaches Fred how to connect with his joy and transform how he feels in the moment by using the six mental faculties of:

Imagination, Will, Perception, Intuition, Reason, and Memory.

The banana slug is unique and her ways are inspired from beyond! She is as ethereal, universal, and infinite as the emotion of joy itself.

We could all use a little help connecting to our joy, wouldn't you agree?

Joyful Writer
Children's Book Author and Illustrator
Inspiring Teacher - listed in 1994 Who's Who Among America's Best Teachers
Motivational Leader
Energy Healing Intuitive
Nature Photographer
And Race Car Driver - yes, it's true!

Ever since she was very young, Susanne has been captivated by the natural world and the creatures in it. One of her favorite pastimes involved writing stories and poems inspired by the conversations she would have during each day's visit.

Then in 2018 Susanne found herself in a course on digital illustration. While composing the course's final project, a step-by-step children's book, a long-familiar joy and a renewal of her love of writing was reclaimed.

Susanne now spends her days wandering the lush forests of the great Pacific Northwest in Portland, Oregon capturing the sights, sounds and stories the forest and its creatures have to share.

Susanne cherishes every moment she has to pen the joyful adventures inspired by the forest and its creatures. She believes it is what she was always meant to do - inspire joy!
This book has been illustrated by the wildly talented, Sandie Sonke!

Sandie is a Southern California native and a Cal State University Fullerton grad with a degree in studio art. She finds joy simply sketching in her sketchbook or drawing tablet. Sandie is a freelance illustrator and mom of two sweet and silly kids who inspire her daily. She loves to create whimsical and colorful illustrations. Her hope is to bring a little happiness and... joy to those who view her work!

You can find Sandie at:

Instagram: @sandiesonke

Website: www.sandiesonkeart.com