Back in high school, I had a short bucket list. I knew I wanted to work in advertising, not live in the town I grew up in (Windsor, CA), and become a published author.

Other than that, I wasn’t really sure what my life would look like.

Now, just five months before I turn 40 years old… I will officially be a published author. Though, how it happened and the fact I co-wrote a children’s book with my two-year-old, I could have NEVER imagined.

The illustrated children’s book: Randall the Blue Spider Goes Surfing is for kids of all ages who love outdoor activities, bugs (spiders especially), ice cream, and friends. It's also for kids who aren't fans of bugs—just watch as Randall wins their hearts and spiders like him suddenly seem less scary. In addition to colorful, fun graphics, the book teaches children how to name their fears and overcome them by offering simple coping mechanisms…and lots of silliness!  

Right now the children’s book is available on Amazon, but I am working with a few bookstores to have the book in physical stores (and planning some fun events this spring/summer as well), but for now, go to Amazon to purchase a copy for kids of all ages. :)

How Randall the Blue Spider Goes Surfing Book Become a Reality

Randall the Blue Spider Goes Surfing was written by Ryeson Bull when he was two years old. The family (me, Rye, and my husband, Jeff) were on a trip to Long Beach to see Ryeson’s grandpa, who was in the hospital due to a cycling accident. Ryeson wasn’t allowed in the hospital due to having cystic fibrosis. So we drove around while Jeff visited his dad. We went to our favorite ocean park in downtown Seal Beach and watched surfers clean their surfboards while playing on the swings. Ryeson wanted to know all about what they were doing — lil dude has ALWAYS been a curious one — so I told him.

After driving back to the hospital from the park, Ryeson started telling stories about how it would be funny to see a spider go surfing, but that it might be nervous if people were watching. Shana started to record her toddler’s musings in the parking lot of the hospital and Randall the Blue Spider Goes Surfing was born.

Three years later, while I was bedridden for a month and a half from anal cancer treatments during the summer of 2020, the book became a reality when I connected with Krista Huber, the owner of East 26th Publishing, a contemporary indie book publisher. After having to say goodbye to a few clients because of my cancer treatment and months of the pandemic, I was ready to pivot my career, and Randall came along at just the right time.

It really goes to show that even during the worse circumstances, you can push through. <3

Brady Lovell from Fat Tabby Studio is the illustrator — and fun fact, he is married to one of my college roommates - Andrew, who is an AMAZING baker.

Another Children’s Book Coming in the Future

I am beyond excited to see where this career pivot will take me. In fact, we have already written the second book in the Randall the Blue Spider & Friends book series. So stay tuned!