The Amazing Zoe series answers the urgent call for more diversity and representation in (Canadian) children’s literature. The collection of stories is designed for children aged 0-8+ and offers something for everyone in your family. Our aim is to promote inclusivity and provide engaging narratives that resonate with children from all walks of life. The stories are inspired by 'real-life' scenarios and are designed to start conversations and to provide tips on how parents/guardians can speak to children about difficult subject matters. When we address real issues, children feel better equipped, validated and are more responsive to seeking help in cases of mental health or other.
The inception of The Amazing Zoe began in 2019 after my daughter was born. My attention to children’s literature was heightened after a review of her home library. I began to analyze the depth to which the void of representation exists in children’s stories and wanted to make a change. In 2020 I penned what would then turn into the
The Amazing Zoe series which now boasts 3/3 bestsellers and counting. I didn't want my daughter, (or other children who have been traditionally marginalized) to face the barriers I experienced when growing up as a little Black girl, in a world that seemingly knew or cared very little about me or my culture. I earned a Master of Physical Therapy, worked in rehabilitation for several years and changed direction when I was inspired to write, I then realized how well my stories were being received and realized the incredible demand . My aim is to erase the invisibility of BIPOC authors, their stories and their perspectives in Canadian literature. I believe that literature is one of the most fundamental tools available for teaching empathy, compassion and acceptance to young developing minds.
The model includes being present, seen and heard in as many places as possible. As the principal author, I visit schools, offer diversity presentations, writing workshops and motivational talks to children and parent groups. I provide avenues for children to fall in love with books and aspire to write their own. To date, we offer B-C and occasionally B-B when businesses require bulk purchases of books. The goal is to increase the number of B-B sales through corporate sponsors and schools. The Amazing Zoe brand has expanded into carrying merchandise such as clothing and household goods for children and most recently, I am currently working on a bookmobile, scheduled to launch by November 1st.
The bookmobile is a truck that will house my own books, in addition to the various local authors. We will collaborate during the year to bring diversity presentations to schools, participate in community events, birthday parties and visit various neighbourhoods to promote literacy. The demographic for these events are geared toward children ages 0-12+
To date, the publishing, marketing, purchase and building of the truck have been solely financed by my family and I-I'm eternally grateful for their belief and support of this project. When revenue is generated by the sales of my books or merch, the money is reinvested into the brand. This long cycle has caused a delay in publishing more stories and may cause a delay for our launch as I am in the works of trying to raise funds to complete this project.
Discover the magic of the ‘Amazing Zoe’ who seeks to elevate the voices of children of all backgrounds, while offering an opportunity for cultural exchange. Each story’s illustrations appropriately demonstrate equitable multiculturalism with the vision of fostering diverse and compassionate leaders of tomorrow; more of the way in which we wish to see the world