The Book They Tried To Ban, But It Went Viral Instead

When I published Pringle and Finn in April 2022, I was overwhelmed by the love and support the book received. The story of our two penguin protagonists, inspired by my husband Matthew and me, resonated with readers young and old. It was a tale about love, friendship, and teamwork—a reflection of our journey as a couple. Encouraged by the response, I set out to create a second book in the series, one that would explore even deeper themes of family and connection.

In December 2023, The Secret Ingredient was born. This new adventure follows Pringle and Finn as they set out to deliver birthday cakes to their diverse animal friends. Each friend’s family structure is unique, and through their journey, Pringle and Finn discover that the "secret ingredients" that make a family special are love, understanding, and acceptance. It was a heartfelt story, and I hoped it would inspire readers to celebrate the beautiful diversity of families in our world.

The book received a warm welcome from many readers, but in June 2024, during Pride Month, I encountered an unexpected challenge. A bookstore that had initially ordered 100 copies decided to return them, citing that the book didn’t align with their store’s policies. The rejection was painful. As an author and illustrator, I pour my heart into every project, and I had hoped the book’s message of inclusivity would resonate universally.

Heartbroken, I turned to my TikTok community to share the news. I explained the situation in a video, not knowing what to expect. The response was overwhelming. Support poured in from followers, and within days, The Secret Ingredientcompletely sold out. Eleven other bookstores reached out, eager to stock the book, and the show of solidarity reaffirmed why I create stories like this.

Later that year, the book faced another hurdle: a wave of one-star reviews on Amazon, seemingly targeting its inclusive content. But once again, our community came through. Thousands of readers left glowing five-star reviews to counteract the negativity, helping The Secret Ingredient find its audience despite the challenges.

These experiences have been both difficult and enlightening. They’ve reminded me of the power of storytelling and the importance of creating books that reflect the diverse world we live in. The Secret Ingredient isn’t just a book about penguins; it’s a celebration of what makes every family unique and special.

Today, I’m more committed than ever to sharing stories that bring joy and spark conversations. If you’ve read The Secret Ingredient or supported it in any way, thank you. Your encouragement means the world to me and keeps me motivated to create. And if you’re just discovering Pringle and Finn, welcome to their journey. I hope their adventures bring a smile to your face and a reminder of the secret ingredient that binds us all: love.