Now that I had the title locked in and the story written, it was time to work on the storyboard. The first step? Character references. Guess what? I didn’t have to search far for the perfect one for 5-year-old Macie. The inspiration came straight from my own photo album—a favorite picture of my daughter at that same age. 

Looking at her photo, with that spark of curiosity and joy in her eyes, took me back to those days filled with laughter and endless discovery. Working with the illustrators, I ensured that Macie’s character embodied the same spirit as my “Little One!” 

Shout-out to her and all the kids who see the world with wonder! 

Peter Contardo