Stories that spark imagination and nurture young minds. From whimsical picture books that introduce toddlers to the magic of reading, to chapter books that guide middle-grade readers through adventures of friendship, courage, and self-discovery. These tales plant seeds of wonder, teach valuable life lessons through relatable characters, and create the foundation for a lifelong love of literature. Each story is crafted to both entertain and empower, helping children navigate their world with curiosity, kindness, and confidence.
A Message About My Children's Books
Dear parents, educators, and young dreamers,
Writing for children has become one of my most sacred callings, a return to the journals I filled as a child, when words were my lifeboats and stories were my sanctuary. In creating books for young readers, I'm reminded that children possess an innate wisdom about truth, wonder, and the courage to become exactly who they're meant to be.
My children's books are born from the same wellspring that feeds all my work: the belief that every story has the power to heal, inspire, and transform. But when I write for children, I'm not just crafting tales, I'm planting seeds of possibility in the fertile ground of young imaginations.
Each book I create for young readers carries the same authenticity and emotional depth that defines my adult work, but wrapped in the language of wonder that children understand so naturally. I write about the beauty of being different, the strength found in vulnerability, and the magic that happens when we choose love over fear. These aren't just stories, they're invitations for children to see themselves as the heroes of their own journeys.
I believe children deserve books that honor their intelligence, celebrate their uniqueness, and remind them that their voices matter. In a world that often asks them to wait until they're older to make a difference, my stories whisper a different truth: you are enough, exactly as you are, right now.
Whether your child is navigating friendship, discovering their identity, or simply learning to trust their own inner light, my books offer gentle guidance wrapped in adventure, heart, and hope. They're written for the children who feel deeply, dream boldly, and dare to believe that their story matters.
As someone who once found solace in words during my own childhood, I understand the profound impact a book can have on a young heart. My children's books are my way of reaching back through time to offer the stories I needed then, stories that say "you belong," "you're loved," and "your becoming is beautiful."
Thank you for trusting me with the precious gift of your children's imaginations. Together, we're nurturing a generation of readers who know their worth, honor their truth, and believe in the magic of their own stories.
With love and wonder, Julia Shelton
Because every child deserves to see themselves as the hero of their own story.
The Pronoun Party 🎉 : A Celebration of Identity, Friendship, and the Words That Help Us Shine!
Step into a vibrant world where every child is seen, respected, and celebrated for exactly who they are. The Pronoun Party is a heartwarming and inclusive children’s book that introduces young readers to the power of pronouns and the beauty of self-expression through colorful characters, playful storytelling, and meaningful conversations.
Join Maya, Parker, Chloe, Alex, and a wonderfully diverse cast of 35 children as they explore friendship, kindness, and the importance of using the right pronouns. From he/him to she/her, they/them to xe/xem and more, this book invites children, and the adults who love them, to learn together in a fun, accessible way.
Perfect for classrooms, libraries, and bedtime reading, The Pronoun Party helps spark important conversations about respect, empathy, and embracing the differences that make us all unique.
Whether you're a parent, teacher, caregiver, or ally, this book is a must-have addition to any shelf, especially during Pride Month. Because every child deserves to feel seen, heard, and celebrated.
Let’s make the world a little kinder, one pronoun at a time.
Paperback Edition
COMING SOON!!
The Colorful Adventures of Nico
The Colorful Adventures of Nico is a transformative children’s book series that follows a curious and courageous boy on a journey through worlds shaped by emotion, empathy, and imagination. When color disappears from his city, Nico sets off on a magical quest to bring it back, discovering along the way that each color is more than a shade... it’s a feeling waiting to be understood.
In each installment, Nico explores a new realm born from an emotion, whether it’s the fiery determination of Red, the reflective calm of Blue, or the radiant joy of Yellow. Through heartfelt encounters with magical beings, nature, and community, Nico learns that emotions are not problems to solve, they are powerful, beautiful parts of being human.
This series teaches emotional intelligence through storytelling, helping young readers embrace their feelings, celebrate diversity, and find strength in kindness. With rich world-building, poetic language, and stunning illustrations, The Colorful Adventures of Nico is more than just a story, it’s a vibrant journey into the heart of what makes us whole.
Whether read aloud with family or discovered in quiet reflection, Nico’s adventures offer timeless lessons about courage, compassion, and the power of feeling everything..
The Day the Colors Ran Away:
A Journey Through Emotion, Empathy, and the Magic of Color
(The Colorful Adventures of Nico Book 1)
What happens when the world loses its color, not because something went wrong, but because no one took the time to understand it?
In The Day the Colors Ran Away, a gentle yet powerful story unfolds when a young boy named Nico wakes up to find his town has turned completely gray. The reds, blues, and yellows have vanished, leaving behind a quiet mystery and a powerful message. With his kind-hearted friend Mia by his side, Nico embarks on a journey not just to bring the colors back, but to understand why they left in the first place.
Each color, vivid and full of emotion, reveals its story. Red felt misunderstood. Blue felt too heavy. Yellow felt ignored. Through open-hearted conversations and sincere listening, Nico helps the colors feel seen, valued, and safe to return home. Together, they learn that feelings aren't meant to be hidden, they're meant to be shared and embraced.
This beautifully written and illustrated picture book teaches children about:
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Emotional awareness and expression
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Empathy and active listening
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Diversity and inclusion
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The importance of kindness, understanding, and communication
Perfect for ages 4-9, The Day the Colors Ran Away invites young readers to explore big emotions in a safe, colorful way. It's an ideal resource for parents, teachers, therapists, and caregivers who want to foster emotional intelligence and empathy in children.
With its gentle rhythm, heartfelt message, and stunning visuals, this story is perfect for bedtime reading, classroom discussions, and everyday moments of connection.
Whether you're helping a child navigate their own emotions or simply want to add more color to your bookshelf, The Day the Colors Ran Away will leave a lasting impression, one filled with compassion, curiosity, and joy.
Because when we understand our feelings, the world becomes a brighter place.
The Day the Colors Got it Backwards:
A Story of Emotions, Magic, and Healing
(The Colorful Adventures of Nico Book 2)
When a mysterious prism fractures the emotional energy of Oakhaven, the once-bright colors of the town begin behaving in strange and unexpected ways. Yellow, the color of hope, flickers with fear. Orange, once joyful and communal, begins to feel pressured and performative. The emotions that once united the townspeople now create confusion, isolation, and disconnection.
Enter Nico, a curious and big-hearted boy who can see and feel the colors more deeply than anyone else. Alongside his brave friend Mia and a group of magical color spirits, each representing a different emotion, they set off on a journey to uncover what’s gone wrong. From organizing a humble Harvest Festival to confronting a fearsome storm with unwavering courage, they discover that balance doesn’t come from perfection, but from listening to each other, leaning into community, and moving forward with empathy and heart.
A sequel to The Day the Colors Ran Away, this beautifully illustrated fantasy explores themes of emotional intelligence, collaboration, and resilience. As Nico and Mia work to restore the balance of Oakhaven’s emotional spectrum, young readers will learn how emotions interact, why empathy matters, and how even the smallest act of kindness can ripple outward and create meaningful change.
Perfect for ages 7–12, this chapter book blends magical realism with rich emotional lessons, making it a beloved story for children, parents, educators, and therapists alike.
