Finch and Squirrel

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Finch and Squirrel

I write and publish stories (for love and legacy) and help other people do the same.

Founded on a love of story, Finch & Squirrel (formerly Coquina Kids) guides storytellers of all experience levels through the writing and self-publishing process with educational programs, author services, and support resources. We are committed to fostering diverse perspectives, making the creative process fun and accessible, and equipping aspiring authors with the confidence, knowledge, and support they need to write, publish, and share their stories with the world.

24/07/2025

I tried something new (for me) with "A Mysterious Christmas Visitor": Educational content about reindeer at the back of the book. What do you think? Now available at the early bird price of $9.99: https://tinyurl.com/3ktcfkze

20/07/2025

Elves are sneaking gifts for kids into Little Free Libraries for 12 days of Christmas in July.

19/07/2025

Working on my sister's posthumous memoir 18 years after her passing reminded me that it’s our stories that connect us while we're on this earth and what remains long after we're gone. And I came to a realization about why I do what I do as a writer, writing coach, and indie publisher: I'm in it for legacy. Maybe one day I'll focus more on sales and marketability, but at this stage in life, I just want to put beautiful, worthwhile books out into the world. I think she'd be as proud of this one as I am.

18/07/2025

Caroline didn’t like me at first.
She tolerated me the way you tolerate a substitute teacher who doesn’t know the rules.
Then I discovered two of her favorite things: books and oranges.
I read. I brought snacks. I read while she ate snacks.
Eventually, I became one of her favorite things, too. And we lived happily ever after.
#

16/07/2025

My granddaughter didn’t like to read. Eleanor is a curious, quick-minded kid who loves math, technology, and science, but she has ADHD and a form of dyslexia, so reading was a slog. Books just didn’t grab her the way the way playing Minecraft with her friends did. One book changed everything. https://www.finchandsquirrel.com/blog/the-book-that-changed-everything

27/06/2025

We'll be celebrating Christmas in July when my newest picture book is released!

13/05/2025

Since becoming a children’s book author, I’ve found myself in conversation with many people who have stories to tell but aren’t sure where to begin. My advice is always the same, and it mirrors the guidance I give to the graduate students I teach in Georgetown University’s Public Relations and Corporate Communications program...

Advice on how to get started writing a story for children

12/05/2025

This week on the Inklings blog, we explore pacing in a picture book: what it is, the elements that go into it, and how to get it just right to create the mood and experience you want to give your readers.

Discover how pacing shapes a child’s reading experience in picture books and early readers—keeping young audiences engaged, curious, and emotionally connected.

11/05/2025

30/04/2025

This week on the Inklings blog:

The top 5 mistakes new children's book writers make and how to fix them.

08/04/2025

Feeling stuck? Uninspired? My Writers' Nest workshops are meant to stoke your creativity, unleash your imagination, and help you develop your unique voice. They're open to everyone, no matter your level of experience or what form or genre you write.

Comment "Interested" below and I'll send you a coupon to try one out for free!

As a certified Amherst Writers and Artists workshop facilitator, I use the AWA method, which prioritizes inclusion, respect, and encouragement. We write to a variety prompts, and, if we choose, we read our work aloud. Participants are invited to comment only on what is strong and memorable. This creates a safe space where participants can experiment, take risks, and grow as writers.

My Writers' Nest workshops are meant to stoke your creativity, unleash your imagination, and help you develop your unique voice. As a certified Amherst Writers and Artists workshop facilitator, I use the AWA method, which prioritizes inclusion, respect, and encouragement. We write to a variety promp...

01/03/2025

This adorable toddler apparently demands to have Caroline and the Not-Mamma read to her every day and has taken to replying "no mamma" to people who aren't even her mom. Sounds like she has the ferocity of the main character. (The book is about a small child with big feelings.)

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http://amazon.com/author/barbaraleary, http://www.finchandsquirrel.com/

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The Magic of Childhood

As a grownup who counts herself fortunate to have little kids in her life, I take seriously my responsibility to encourage their natural wonder, curiosity, and creativity. Sometimes I do this by telling stories. When they interrupt my storytelling to redirect a turn in the plot that displeases them, I welcome the collaboration. When the action gets mired in too much backstory, and my oldest granddaughter admonishes me, “Just tell the story, Grandma!” I am grateful for the real-time critique. It doesn’t work both ways: When they tell me their stories, they have my full attention.

The first stories you’ll see on Coquina Kids are drawn from stories I tell my granddaughters, which they have improved upon. Since I’m not an artist, I search for talented illustrators to bring them to life. The first two stories, The Climbing Tree and Virginia Loves Dogs, will be published in 2019.

If you’ve visited the site and read this far, perhaps we share an appreciation for whimsy, especially if it comes with a cuddle and a story? Let’s honor and preserve the magic of childhood, one story at a time.