What people are saying…
Meet Lulu...
A young sea turtle finds bravery with support from her reef family in Smith’s picture book.
Lulu feels safe as she swims around in the mangrove roots closely tethered to her mama. After rushing sea waters knock the tiny turtle off her perch on her mother’s shell, she’s tossed about and briefly faces her greatest fear of being left alone, before her mama quickly returns. Lulu soon learns that although some things in the oceans are frightening, others are helpful, and she builds trust in herself and her community with her mama’s guidance. Oztürk’s full-color illustrations bring the seabed to life with electric colors and many species in action, including a puffed-up pufferfish and a wood-hauling octopus…Being in unfamiliar places can be quite scary for children without caregivers around, and this book effectively encapsulates such feelings in its portrayal of the vastness of the deep; however, it also allays such fears with a soothing, motherly tone and assurance of neighborly support.
A vividly illustrated and relatable tale of a jumpy sea creature and her loving parent.
Kirkus Reviews
Lulu and the Hullabaloo
With enchanting illustrations and a heartfelt narrative, Lulu and the Hullabaloo encourages children to embrace their feelings, build resilience, and develop confidence in themselves.
Join Lulu on her big adventure and discover that being brave doesn’t mean not being scared – it means trying your best even when you are.
The Brightest Bulb
A tale with wisdom and heart, The Brightest Bulb takes children on an adventure as Flicker searches to find his place in the world. Along the way they will learn that they are enough exactly as they are.
Perfect for bedtime reading, classroom discussions about self-worth, or anyone who has ever felt like they don’t quite fit in.
New release!
Our passion lies in crafting stories that deliver powerful messages of hope and healing. We aim to create books that uplift and inspire, offering comfort and understanding to children who need it most. With a heart full of empathy and a talent for storytelling, Stephanie is on a mission to make every child feel seen, valued, and loved.
If you would like updates from 5 am light books, we’d love to have you join us.
About Stephanie
I didn’t set out to become a children’s author. I set out to help my kids.
As a single mom for over 15 years, I know firsthand what it looks like when a child is carrying something heavy — anxiety, self-doubt, the quiet feeling of not quite fitting in. I’ve sat with those moments, in my own home and in the lives of the many families I’ve been privileged to support along the way. I’ve watched children show a kind of resilience and courage that genuinely takes your breath away.
Those children are why I write.
My books are born from real places — real feelings, real struggles, real moments of breakthrough. Lulu and Flicker aren’t just characters to me. They’re love letters to every child who has ever needed to hear that their feelings matter, that they are not alone, and that they are enough exactly as they are.
My mission is simple: to make every child feel seen, valued, and loved — one story at a time.
When I’m not writing, I’m hanging with my two kids, three dogs, and an ever-changing number of fish.
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