We are excited to announce that our second (ever) picture book, The Princes of Serendip by Allyson Apsey is HERE! We can't wait for you to experience the inspirational message and stunning illustrations contained within this gem! But, before I ramble on about its awesomeness, I have a better idea.

Let's hear from the author herself!
Allyson, it's all you, friend.

One day last winter I was talking with a group of fourth graders about the writing process for my book The Path to Serendipity. I was explaining how closely the real-life writing process resembles the writing process they use in the classroom. I told them that my book was about finding all the beautiful lessons in everything we experience in life--from the most significant challenges to the greatest joys.

We were deep into the discussion when a hand popped up. When I called on the student, he asked, “What does serendipity even mean?”

“Okay,” I thought as I smiled to myself. “We need to back up a bit.”

“Well, the dictionary says that serendipity means happy accidents,” I told the class. “But, my definition of serendipity is about embracing a lifestyle of looking for serendipity. Looking for those happy accidents throughout the day rather than waiting to stumble upon them.”

They were intrigued, so I went on to explain further, “The origin of the word serendipity comes from a sixteenth-century tale called The Three Princes of Serendip. I have been thinking about rewriting the tale to match my definition of serendipity.” They loved that idea and encouraged me to share the story with them after I wrote it.

That very night, while I was waiting for my son’s basketball practice, I wrote my version of The Three Princes of Serendip. The next day I read it to the fourth-grade students, and I could hear a pin drop in the classroom. They loved the story, they loved the lessons all three princes learned, and they began to understand the concept of serendipity better. I was beyond thrilled to share some of the ideas of The Path to Serendipity with students with this story.

I tested the story out by reading it to students in many grade levels and was encouraged that they all enjoyed the story and had important takeaways, even though the takeaways were different depending on the age of the student. Younger students learned about the value of working hard, kindness, and gratitude. Older students learned those same lessons but also learned about serendipity--the beautiful lessons we find as we toil through life.

There is one particular part of the story that my students couldn’t wait to see illustrated. The same page that elicits a gasp when students see the picture. This is my first picture book, but I imagine that type of emotional reaction to a book is the stuff authors dream of. That emotional connection creates an opportunity for in-depth discussion and lessons that stick with students for a lifetime.

The beautiful illustrations by Molly Blaisdell bring the story to life in a whimsical and fun way, and I am so thankful to partner with her on The Princes of Serendip.