A Family Journey That
Started with Curiosity
What began as a simple visit to a planetarium became a cross-gen journey of storytelling, imagination, and deep reading.
Where It All Began
In 2018, I visited the Morehead Planetarium with my grandsons.
They were intrigued by the exhibit of how Apollo astronauts trained to navigate the stars.
Interestingly, I had studied ancient astronomy and celestial globes while working in China.
From a Simple Idea to a Story
I later gave my grandsons a ring that opened into an armillary sphere, which fascinated them.
We used the magical astronomy rings to activate the Star Globe that takes the cousins to Bukania, a medieval land of archers & knights and dragons & dinosaurs.
Learning Through Storymaking
I quickly realized my grandkids wanted to have fun while making stories. So, we practiced archery and learned to fight with wooden medieval broadswords while creating action scenes.
A Challenge Many Families Understand
Like many families, we saw how easy it was for children to spend more time consuming than creating.
We wanted something more.
We encouraged our kids to imagine, think deeply, and connect—not just with stories, but with each other.
Why This Matters
Books played a powerful role in my own life.
During a difficult childhood, deep reading became my anchor. It trained me to focus, understand complex journeys, and keep hope alive.
Years later, that same discipline fueled my biotech career, where constant learning wasn’t optional but essential.
The Power of Deep Reading
I’ve seen how deeply engaged my young collaborators can become.
As my grandchildren helped with story development and manuscript editing, I noticed they began to read with greater confidence, understanding, and curiosity.
When young readers connect with stories, they begin to think, imagine, and see the world differently.
Stories Shaped by Young Readers
It began with my grandchildren, but it didn’t stop there.
Over time, I’ve worked with young readers who share their ideas, reactions, and insights as the stories grow. Their feedback helps bring each adventure to life in a more meaningful way.
From family conversations to real reader perspectives, these voices continue to shape the stories we create.
More Than Just Stories
This has grown into a shared journey.
Young readers are not just reading stories.
They are exploring ideas, imagining new
worlds, and beginning to create on their own.