Start 2026 on the Right Foot with Author Cheryl Olsten by Cultivating a Lifelong Healthy Habit: Reading to Your Children
Reading, like storytelling itself, is a gift handed from generation to generation.
Not long after my daughter was born, my parents lovingly dusted off and returned the cherished children’s books from my childhood to the shelves in their home. As I flipped through those pages, picking out the books to read for my daughter, memories flooded back—adventures, laughter, and lessons learned. I found this to be a beautiful reminder of how stories shape generations.
As I embrace parenthood, I couldn’t be happier that I grew up in a home where stories where told and storytelling was a night time routine important to my parents, bonding us as a family. Today, I feel gratitude for the stories that were there to shape my childhood and especially now, when it’s my turn to ignite my daughter’s imagination by reading books, just as my parents did for me.
Books are the gift that keep on giving and are also one of the most important things children can receive to start them off in the world of imagination and learning. Reading to children from a young age isn’t just an enjoyable pastime—it’s a powerful tool for fostering a sense of safeness and happiness, empathy, and educational success. And with reading in crisis, it’s no surprise the government is championing this initiative. That a quarter of 3- and 4-year-olds in the UK have their own smartphones, and half of children under 13 are on social media, is clearly a big part of the problem.
According to the National Literacy Trust, only one in three eight- to 18-year‑olds enjoy reading in their spare time – a 36% drop in two decades. The decline is worst among teenage boys and the poorest children. Alarmingly, a quarter of pupils left primary school in England this year without adequate reading skills. All of this should be no surprise given that half of adults in the UK don’t read regularly themselves and research shows that many parents don’t enjoy reading to their children.
As the digital exposure at such a young age raises serious concerns about safety, development, and mental health, we couldn’t be happier to introduce you and your family to author of inspiring children’s books, Cheryl Olsten. Cheryl Olsten writes picture books that turn simple ideas into uplifting adventures for young readers and their families.
Her stories explore timeless themes—courage, kindness, creativity, and the power of never giving up— told with warmth and a touch of wonder. Cheryl’s books are cherished by parents, teachers, and librarians alike for the way they make learning joyful and storytelling meaningful.
Big Wishes for Little Feat (2021) is a heartfelt tale about the enduring bond between a young girl and her little horse, and the dreams they dare to chase together.
In a tale woven by fate, meet Lafitte De Muze, affectionately known as Little Feat, and young Ella—a spirited girl from opposite sides of the globe. Their worlds collide through whimsical Aunt Anastasia and a magical shooting star!
Ella, with her bright, inquisitive mind and adventurous spirit, faces an unexpected journey that will change the course of her life forever. The two are brought together in the countryside of the Kingdom of Belgium by their love and awe of the beautiful stars and constellations, which Ella and Little Feat look to for inspiration and confidence.
Mimi & the Gold Baton (2023) follows a brave little dreamer who stands up to gender inequality and bias to become the first girl “mousetro.” With courage in her heart and music in her soul, she shows that even the smallest voice can shine. Celebrating a world where every identity is welcome and every dream deserves a stage.
In a centuries-old music shop brimming with instruments lives a most unusual musical family—a family of mice. Having grown up among the eloquent sounds of violins and a stately grand piano, Mimi wants nothing more than to lead an orchestra and become a mousetro. Unfortunately, Mimi’s brash and biased brothers are not very encouraging.
In spite of her brothers discouraging words, she finds the courage within to pursue her dream. Emboldened by a chance encounter with a real maestro and recalling a secret from her mother, Mimi eventually conducts a very different kind of orchestra—one where everyone is invited!
My Lucky Star (April 2026) is a magical, visually stunning picture book that follows Ella and her beloved horse Little Feat on a breathtaking journey inspired by the Pegasus constellation. When Ella’s dream of a winged companion comes true, the two soar into the starlit sky and explore whimsical worlds- including the mystical Black Forest- brought vividly to life through Paolo d’Altan’s rich, cinematic illustrations. Filled with wonder, suspense, and the uplifting message that no dream is unreachable, this enchanting sequel to Big Wishes for Little Feat celebrates friendship, courage, and the magical space where dreams and reality meet.
“For children and families who adore the equestrian world- and the blurred lines between dreams and reality- Olsten’s picture book is a hopeful, aesthetically striking tribute to the value of friendship and doing what you love.” – BookLife, PublishersWeekly
Punctuation to the Rescue (2024) is a modern-day fable that brings punctuation to life through playful characters and humour.
Join Period, Comma, Exclamation Point, and Question Mark as they embark on an exhilarating adventure. This engaging story brings each character’s unique personality to life while teaching kids essential punctuation skills. Perfect for sparking creativity and joy in young readers.
