Feature Friday: Opening Our Eyes To The World with Author, Sarah Stackhouse

Hi Everyone!! Or shall I say Namaste. Sawatdee Ka. Bonjour. Hola. (Also including all other languages of the world)

About The Author

Traveling to over 30+ countries, I started writing children’s books to inspire those of all ages. In my book you’ll find elements of my own travels and lessons learned along the way. My wish is that you also find a bit of your own adventures throughout the story and continue to inspire the children in your life. Adventures, whether near or far, are what make us feel like we are truly living and making a difference by sharing our smiles with the world.

I was a Rotary Youth Exchange student to Thailand during my senior year of high school and have been exploring the world ever since. My bachelor’s degree is from Scotland and master’s degree is from England. In 2019, I completed the Critical Language (U.S. Dept. of State) Scholarship program in Lucknow, India studying Urdu. I am now an active Rotarian and enjoy organizing and participating in service projects around the world.

For those of you who know, I was born and raised in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and an avid ice hockey player. I now reside and work in Wisconsin. I truly have a passion for everything international and have studied, traveled, and worked in numerous countries around the world. A humanitarian individual who loves to inspire others to enjoy all of the beauty our world has to offer.

Her Story Writing a Children’s Book

I have a long bucket list and always had a dream of becoming a published author at 25. Four months before my 26th birthday I realized I needed to do something about that. I am now a proud author of Opening Our Eyes to the World, an inclusive children's book meant to inspire people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, and cultures to embrace the world around them. 

I had the story idea for many years, but didn't act upon it as I wasn't an illustrator and to hire one is quite costly. During the pandemic, I self-learned how to design and create illustrations using a software that I had never touched prior to starting my book. Printed (in Wisconsin, USA) and published in Dec. 2020, my book is now selling! 

I want to inspire those around the world, as a small business owner who had no experience in writing, illustrating, book publishing, or becoming an entrepreneur that if you want to achieve something you truly can go for your dreams. You can use your experiences to help make the world a better place.

Opening Our Eyes to the World is a story for every child and gives people the opportunity to share stories about their own adventures, which is important for those feeling a sense of wanderlust while at home during the pandemic. It can be a mental breath of fresh air to relive those memories and to pass those stories on to the children in their life. In a world that is in desperate need of compassion for diversity, this book inspires future humanitarians to create a passion for cultural fluency by learning about their community and the world.

Closing Remarks

Thank you for taking the time to learn a little bit more about my journey as a children’s book author. I love conducting book readings and frequently conduct presentations regarding my travel experiences for various organizations throughout communities. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with questions, reviews of the book, and/or a request for a presentation. I am beyond grateful for growing up in Houghton and all of the opportunities I was provided with. Many thanks to my family, friends, teachers, coaches, and community for helping shape my story and empowering me to become who I am today.

 If you are interested in purchasing a book, coordinating puzzle, and luggage tags you can do so on my website at lavenderandberriespublishing.com.
They are great gifts for travel lovers, teachers, local libraries, schools, Rotarians, grandparents, etc. 
I can best be reached at laven.berries@gmail.com
On Instagram: lavender.berries