Laura Bower

There is one thing Olive loves more than anything in the world. Mr. Snuggles. Adorable, reliable, perfect Mr. Snuggles. So when Olive loses him, her whole world turns upside down. Mr. Snuggles mysteriously turns up one day and Olive couldn’t be more excited. But… wait. He looks a little too clean, a little too fluffy, and a little too new. Will Olive find the real Mr. Snuggles or will she be stuck with this imposter forever? THE IMPOSTER explores the universal themes of friendship and the strong bond children have with their loveys. I wrote this story based on the roller coaster of emotion my own children have had when they lost (and found) their loveys (Puppy, Petunia and Nedburt).

Emily, a five-year-old whiz in the kitchen, dreams of becoming an award-winning chef. With the encouragement of her favorite sous chef — her grandpa — she enters an international cooking competition but quickly loses steam when one thing after another goes wrong. Emily fears she won’t be able to measure up to the competition, until she takes charge and uses her skills — and size — to her advantage. EMILY SNOOK, THE WORLD’S SMALLEST COOK focuses on following dreams, no matter how big, and the love between a grandpa and granddaughter. The story was inspired by my love of baking shows, the amazing intergenerational relationships in my family, and the fun I have had over the years making creations in the kitchen with my three small cooks.