"Every child should feel special & believe in themselves!" - Deborah Thompson

 The answer begins long before I ever put pen to paper.

As a child, I was captivated by the wonder of the holiday season. I loved the first snowfall, skiing, twinkling lights, winter animals, and the feeling that something magical could happen. As I grew older, I wanted my own children to experience that same sense of wonder.

Every year, I would secretly dress up as Santa and walk past our house ringing a bell, staying just far enough away that my children wouldn’t recognize me. Watching their faces light up with excitement became one of my most treasured memories.

Later, after spending more than 30 years working with children, I realized that the greatest gift of the season wasn't found under the tree. It was the feeling children carried in their hearts when they felt seen, loved, cherished, and truly special. The spirit of giving isn't just about presents—it's about giving children confidence, comfort, and the quiet reassurance that they matter.

That is where the heart of Nova’s Wish began.

I chose the North Pole because, to me, it represents a place filled with hope, kindness, wonder, and possibility. But the story was never meant to be just about one season. It was written to remind children, every day of the year, that they are special simply because they are who they are.

At the end of the story, Nova doesn't choose the smartest child, the fastest child, or the child who did everything perfectly. Nova chooses your child. That moment is my way of whispering to every child, "You are enough. You are loved. You are special."

I've always loved creating moments of wonder for children.

If one child closes the book believing in themselves just a little more than they did before they opened it, then Nova's wish - and mine - has come true.