Why I Write Children’s Books About a Pickle

Most people don’t wake up one day and decide to write a children’s book about a pickle. But then again, most people aren’t me.

I’ve loved pickles my entire life. It’s kind of a thing. So much so that my sister, my cousin, and I call ourselves the Pickletinis. Pickles are quirky, delicious, and slightly ridiculous, which is probably why I like them so much. So when the idea for a children's book popped into my head, it wasn’t a puppy or a penguin that showed up first. It was Percy the Pickle. With a heart full of adventure ands an eagerness to learn.

But Percy didn’t arrive on their own.

The Real Beginning

Last summer, my sister gave birth to my niece. She wasn’t my first niece or nephew, but she was the first to arrive after I learned that I couldn’t have children naturally. That news hit me in a deep, complicated way.

Discover my memoir on endometriosis, What Endometriosis Couldn't Take from Me.

Holding that tiny baby, I realized I wanted to create something for kids. Something not just to entertain, but to nurture. Something with heart. Something that might help them understand the world a little better. Something that could live on bookshelves and inside imaginations, long after I’m gone.

Learn about my journey and other works on my About Me page.

Why Percy?

Honestly? I don’t know. Percy just felt right. They weren’t engineered or brainstormed, they just came to me. A little unsure of themselves, but curious and determined. I liked that. Percy uses they/them pronouns because they don’t quite fit into one box, and that’s the whole point. They’re a bit unexpected. A little weird. Very lovable. Just like a lot of us.

If Percy had a real-world job, they’d be a travel agent—excited about new places, great with people, and always ready to help someone discover something new.

What I Love About Writing for Kids

Children’s books let me share pieces of my brain in the purest way. I get to shape a story exactly as I see it—color, rhythm, meaning, and all. Some people think writing for kids is difficult, but to me, it’s the most natural thing in the world. It’s a shortcut to truth, imagination, and play. It lets me express big feelings in small sentences.

What Percy’s Adventures Mean to Me

Percy’s stories aren’t just silly. They’re built with intention. Each one explores something deeper. Whether that be problem-solving, bravery, or emotional regulation, they are all disguised as a lighthearted adventure. I believe stories like that can shape a kid’s sense of self. And Percy helps me say things I wish I’d heard earlier in life.

So… Why a Pickle?

Because it made sense to me. Because it made people smile. Because when you’re crafting something for the next generation, sometimes the weirdest ideas end up being the most powerful.

And because sometimes, the world just needs a little more pickle energy.