Every book has a beginning—but ours began long before a printer ever touched the pages. Before our story ever had glossy pages or a shiny cover, it lived only in our hearts, our imaginations, and a few drafts scattered across the table. But even without a “real” book in hand, we couldn’t wait to share it with our grandkids. After all, a story doesn’t need binding to come alive—it just needs a listener.

One evening, we gathered everyone close and began. No pictures. No cover. Just words spoken into the air, letting imagination fill in the rest. We weren’t sure what they would think—would they fidget? Would they wander off? But instead, they leaned forward, listening as if the story itself had pulled them in. They laughed at the silly parts, interrupted with questions in the middle (the best kind of interruptions), and let out little gasps when something magical happened. 

They loved that they were all characters in the book.

By the time we reached the end, their faces were shining. “Tell it again!” they begged. And in that moment, our hearts just about melted. It didn’t matter that the book wasn’t “real” yet—because to them, the story was already alive.

As grandparents, that was the most precious gift of all. We saw how a simple story could connect us across generations, weaving together imagination, laughter, and love. Their reaction was the best review we could ever receive—better than any critic, publisher, or sales number down the road.

That was the moment we knew—the story worked. Long before it was officially a “book,” it had already found its way into their hearts. And that, to us, was the real beginning of this publishing adventure.

So before our story became a children’s picture book, it became theirs. And maybe that’s exactly how every story should begin—with little ones curled up beside us, listening with wonder, reminding us why we tell stories in the first place.

The magic carries on. Our grandchildren will again star alongside Elfie the Elf Owl in the next book, where imagination and problem-solving go hand in hand. Keep watching—we’d love to share each new chapter of this adventure with you and your family!

Family Ink: The Mother and Son Storytelling Team