"The Gentle Pen" Where do the ideas come from?

Liv with a sweet friend!

From My Heart to Your Bookshelf: The Real Stories That Spark My Children’s Books

By Liv McLean – Author & Illustrator

There’s a secret hiding inside every children’s book I’ve written—and it isn’t just a quirky character or a splash of paint. It’s a memory. A moment. A spark from real life.

Whether I’m painting a girl who’s determined to ride her horse into the rodeo (Barrel Racer Hazel), or imagining twins tangled in spaghetti mischief (Netti Spaghetti and Noni Macaroni), each story begins with something tangible: a childhood moment, a conversation with a grandkid, or a funny tale from the farm.

Hazel & Buttercup: A Story From the Saddle

Let me take you back to the 60s, to my grandparents’ farm where I grew up with dirt under my nails and a horse who wasn’t winning any ribbons—but sure stole my heart. I didn’t ride in rodeos, but I did win first prize for my pumpkin at the Bruce County Fair.

Hazel, the hero of Barrel Racer Hazel, is the little girl I once was—and the little girl so many readers still are. She’s hard-working, horse-loving, and full of heart. Her horse Buttercup, most certainly inspired by a tired old workhorse who taught me more about love and patience than any storybook ever could.

It’s funny how manure piles and muddy boots can become the groundwork for a story that now lives on bookshelves across the country.

Mischief, Mayhem & Meatballs

Netti Spaghetti and Noni Macaroni weren’t born in a fancy writing studio. They were born at my kitchen table, while memories of a family dinner with the grandkids and their parents at a local Pasta place filled my mind. While at the restaurant, my daughter-in-law, Marie, reminded me of her many visits as a kid to this same old pasta house, where she, her sister, and her parents would eat every Sunday. My vivid imagination took me back in time to visions of my daughter-in-law and her sister as little girls, flinging noodles, giggling with mouths full of sauce, and trying to outdo each other in silliness.

That moment of chaos turned into a tale about consequences, teamwork, and yes—cleaning up your own mess (which, let’s face it, applies to adults too).

 The Goodness Behind the Pages

 I spend hours (and sometimes, days, months, years) perfecting each story. My style is intensely detailed and done with love, often accompanied by a very patient cup of tea beside me.

These aren’t just books. They’re heirlooms. They’re keepsakes. They’re tools for teaching children, problem-solving, and the beauty of being different.

 Why These Stories Matter (and Why I Need You!)

Every time someone reads one of my books to a child, leaves a review, or shares a title with a teacher, and with others, it makes a difference. I’m a traditional artist and indie author, and every book I sell helps me create more. More laughter. More heart, for the little ones you love so much. The paint-covered fingers and sticky notes filled with rhymes will always cover my office desk - you help the paintings and stories to make it into a book for your little ones by talking about my books - by word of mouth I can share more books!

If you believe in the power of gentle storytelling—of values like compassion, courage, and curiosity—I’d love for you to take a peek at my whole collection.

👉 Visit LivMcLean.com

Find my books on Amazon

 Leave a kind review—it helps more than you know!

 How You Can Help (Besides Buying the Books)

• Share this blog with a parent, caregiver, teacher, or grandparent

• Tag me when you read the books to your kids or classroom

• Leave me your email on the web-site www.livmclean.com so you can hear more about upcoming titles and illustrations-in-progress

Thank you for being part of this beautiful journey.

From my messy studio and full heart,

Gently,

— Liv McLean

Children’s Author. Nana. Painter.