Storycomic Weekly Newsletter: May 17th
ALWAYS POSTED A WEEK EARLIER ON PATREON
Exploring Neurodiversity in Kids' Books with Bec Walraven
In the latest episode of Storycomic Presents, I had the pleasure of interviewing Bec Walraven, a debut children's book author with a unique background in wildlife rescue. Bec's journey from caring for animals to crafting stories for young readers is both inspiring and enlightening.
Her book, Hide and Seek, introduces us to Walter, a golden brushtail possum who learns to embrace his distinctive tail that once made him feel different. Through Walter's story, Bec addresses themes of neurodiversity and self-acceptance, encouraging children to celebrate their unique traits.
During our conversation, Bec shared her motivations for writing, the challenges of self-publishing, and her passion for creating inclusive narratives. Her experiences highlight the importance of representation in children's literature and the power of stories to foster empathy and understanding.
Listeners will gain insight into the creative process behind Hide and Seek and the significance of embracing one's individuality. Bec's dedication to storytelling and her commitment to inclusivity make this episode a must-listen for parents, educators, and anyone interested in the transformative power of children's books.
For more information on Bec Walraven and her work, visit her Instagram profile: @bec_walraven_author.
Charlotte Tinsley Rouse on Celebrating Childhood in Summer's Song
In the latest episode of Storycomic Presents, I had the pleasure of interviewing Charlotte Tinsley Rouse, an award-winning children's author and seasoned educator. Charlotte's debut picture book, Summer's Song: A Day in the Life of a Child, is a lyrical celebration of childhood, emphasizing the joys of unstructured play and the beauty of nature.
Drawing from her upbringing in Oneonta, Alabama, Charlotte shares how her experiences of independent outdoor play inspired her storytelling. She discusses the importance of preserving the innocence and imagination of children in today's structured world, advocating for the transformative power of free exploration.
Charlotte also offers a glimpse into her upcoming book, Seesaw Friends Are Best, set to release in late 2025. This new story introduces readers to Edgar and Agnes, highlighting themes of friendship and adventure.
Throughout our conversation, Charlotte emphasizes the role of faith and family in her writing, aiming to create stories that resonate with both children and adults. Her dedication to fostering emotional well-being and holistic development in children is evident in her work.Home+1Goodreads+1
For more information on Charlotte's books and to stay updated on her latest projects, visit her website at charlottetinsleyrouse.com.
Project Update: Daddest Jokes – First Draft Complete!
Big milestone this week—Daddest Jokes is officially DONE with its first draft! Over 500 dad-level groaners, puns, and punchlines, all fully laid out and looking sharp. It’s been a long time coming, and finally seeing it all in one complete, cohesive form feels amazing.
There’s still one more look-through I want to do—just a final pass to catch any stray typos or layout tweaks—but after that, it’s on to publication. It’s wild to think this started as a loose idea and has grown into a full book. I can’t wait to share it with the world soon!
Book Review: American Honda Presents DC Comics Supergirl – Safety Never Looked So Super
Every now and then, you stumble across a comic that’s not just entertaining, but delightfully unexpected. That’s exactly how I’d describe American Honda Presents DC Comics Supergirl, a special-edition comic created in partnership with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Safety Belt Campaign. Yes, it’s as awesome as it sounds.
Released as part of a safety awareness effort, this comic delivers a fun and fast-paced Supergirl story while promoting seat belt use—and somehow, it totally works. Supergirl tackles danger, delivers some great one-liners, and most importantly, reminds everyone (especially young readers) that buckling up is the real superpower. It’s classic ‘90s PSA energy with a cape and a dose of earnest charm.
The art is bright, bold, and full of action, just what you’d expect from a DC comic, and the story manages to stay engaging without getting preachy. It’s a clever collaboration: Honda, DC, and the DOT all teaming up to wrap a public safety message in a cool, collectible comic book.
What makes it memorable, though, is how it perfectly captures a moment in time—when comics weren’t just about heroes battling villains, but also about helping kids navigate the real world a little more safely. For me, it’s a reminder that comics have always had the power to educate as much as entertain.
If you ever come across a copy, grab it. It’s a quirky piece of comic history and a joyful reminder that sometimes superheroes save the day by simply saying, “click it or ticket.”
Personal Update: Racing, Rain, and a Marvel Night Out
Work has definitely been full-speed lately as we gear up for another season at Bear Ridge. We’ll be broadcasting the races again this year, and our first one goes live on May 17th—can’t believe it’s almost here already! On top of that, we’re preparing for the very first mailing of our newspaper since its return, so there’s a lot of moving pieces behind the scenes. Exciting, but busy!
The weather’s been mostly rainy this week, which means the grass is shooting up fast. I try to do “No Mow May” each year to let flowers bloom for the bees, but I’m starting to get a little nervous… if it keeps growing at this rate, I might need a brush hog instead of a mower come June.
On the home front, I’ve also been dealing with a pesky leaky pipe in the basement—because of course, what’s spring without a little unexpected plumbing drama?
But it wasn’t all work and repairs—I did manage to sneak in some fun. Jordan, my go-to Marvel movie buddy, and I caught Thunderbolts on Saturday. It was a pretty solid entry in the MCU, with some cool moments and a few surprises. Always nice to keep that movie tradition going.
leaky pipe in the basement! And I thought it was going to be a quiet weekend
My Marvel movie buddy!