Picture Books
The First Flight of Mack And Cheese: An Origin Story
A picture book set in the Vietnam era, this book tells the story of the friendship between a little boy named Mack and his yellow biplane named Cheese. Readers will be drawn in by the ebullient voice of Cheese, whose narration models empathy for Mack as he navigates his father’s absence.
Ages 5-8. About 550 words.
Currently seeking representation for publication.
The vision for the illustrations, as well as the story itself, is inspired by the POWs and MIAs of the Vietnam War, and the families they left behind. POW stands for Prisoner of War, and MIA stands for Missing In Action. There were more than 2,500 POW/MIAs during the Vietnam War. Many people opposed the Vietnam War; sometimes the children of those fighting in the war were confused because some people called their fathers bad names while others called them heroes. After they came home, many veterans struggled in ways that impacted their families, with about 30% suffering from a condition called PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder). Over the years since the war ended, as many as 33% of the homeless men in our country have been military veterans, and 47% of those veterans served in Vietnam.
*This story was cowritten with the author's nine year old son, Leo. Leo was named after his grandpa’s brother, Leo Joseph Rauenhorst, a Navy pilot who was killed while performing exercises in preparation for combat in Vietnam.
“Every family has a secret hole. Every family has more people at the table than you can see.” - Brian Doyle
Buying Mom A Tractor
This picture book is based on our family’s experience as newbies in regenerative farming. Buying Mom A Tractor explores the process of starting a new farm and introduces the reader to key concepts of carbon farming. It features photo illustrations of many of the possible crops and heritage breed animals.
Ages 3-5. About 350 words.
Currently seeking representation for publication.
Regenerative Agriculture (called "carbon farming" in some countries) describes farming and grazing practices that focus on improving and revitalizing soil health by restoring the soil’s carbon content and supporting the soil’s essential microbiology. Among other benefits, these practices reverse climate change by rebuilding soil organic matter and restoring degraded soil biodiversity resulting in both carbon drawdown and improving the water cycle. Healthy soil equals a healthy human microbiome and a healthy planet.
"I think having land and not ruining it is the most beautiful art that anybody could ever want." - Andy Warhol