THE STORY
TRAIL
THE WORLD IS FULL OF STORIES
Some stories begin on a page. Others begin with a place, a person, or a moment you never expected.
CHOOSE YOUR TRAIL
WHERE THE NEXT ADVENTURE BEGINS
Traveling across borders and stepping outside familiar boundaries has always been at the heart of Christiana's creative journey. Every new landscape carries a quiet magic waiting to be unlocked by an open mind and a curious heart.
Stepping Into the Unknown
Whether spending meaningful time with Indigenous communities in Central America, hiking through lush green rainforest trails, or standing before centuries-old Mayan ruins, every step teaches us how vast, interconnected, and breathtaking our world truly is.
How Nature Inspires Storytelling
When children and young readers explore nature, their imaginations come alive. A rustling leaf becomes a secret message, a winding path becomes a quest, and a small lost puppy like Nico becomes a symbol of courage and resilience. Every adventure leaves a story behind for those willing to listen.
WHY EVERYONE HAS A STORY
"I've always loved stories. Stories from strangers, friends, travelers, and people I've met along the way. Some make you laugh. Some break your heart. Some inspire you. Everyone has a story worth hearing."
The Power of Listening
In a fast-paced world, sitting down to listen to someone else's journey is one of the most profound acts of connection. Strangers we meet in coffee shops, vendors on street corners, and fellow travelers all hold wisdom that reshapes our perspective.
Building Empathy Through Narratives
Books like *That One Puppy* serve as gentle mirrors and windows. They allow young readers to see themselves in characters who feel lost, while teaching them empathy for those going through lonely seasons. Storytelling remains the greatest tool we have to bring hearts closer together.
A WORLD FULL OF DIFFERENT STORIES
Culture is the colorful tapestry of human experience. As a dual-language learner in English and Spanish, and someone who studies Korean for fun, Christiana believes that learning new languages opens secret doorways into different ways of thinking and feeling.
Languages as Bridges
When you learn another language, you don't just memorize words; you learn how another community perceives warmth, joy, and hope. It allows us to honor different backgrounds without judgment or stereotypes.
Global Wisdom for Young Minds
Sharing global perspectives with children builds a generation of open-minded thinkers. Through stories that celebrate diversity, kids discover that despite our different languages, foods, and customs, we all share the same human desire for love, belonging, and friendship.
WHERE DO STORIES COME FROM?
People often ask authors: *"Where do your stories come from?"* The truth is, stories don't usually appear out of thin air. They grow out of small observations, quiet memories, and real emotional experiences.
The Spark Behind "That One Puppy"
A simple moment—seeing a lost puppy following the mouth-watering scent of hot dogs down a busy city avenue—became the foundation for Nico's entire adventure. What started as a fleeting thought turned into notebook sketches, character ideas, and eventually a full picture book manuscript.
Advice for Young Writers
If you want to write stories, carry a small notebook wherever you go. Write down funny quotes you hear, doodle interesting animals, and never be afraid of messy first drafts. Every great manuscript starts with a single written word.