How I wonder why 2029 is so far.

Up above.

A just world?

Never close enough.

Who voted?

Who wrote it?

Who killed Nolan?

Well.

Someone speak up.

Twinkle, twinkle, American Star.

How I wonder ‘bout the stripes you’ve marred.

I wrote this poem to convey the longing for justice in the midst of experiencing so many drastic changes with the country that affect the livelihood of many people across the economic spectrum. Wondering when things will change for the better and not for the worse. Will we ever know what is true and what is not anymore? Justice for Nolan Wells.

^{“Twinkle, Twinkle, American Star” © 2026 by Devans Eli. All rights reserved. No part of this poem may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of the author.}

Hey Escape Artists!

When I tell you I’m having the time of my life, I’m having the time of my life. I’m truly living my dream of being an author. I spent so many years doubting myself. And now that I’m finally living in the moment, I see so many blessings I can barely keep track of them all. My mood has brightened. Anxiety levels are surprisingly low! It’s all thanks to Nora and to you all for your kind words and support.

I want to give you guys an update on what I’ve been doing and what’s coming up!

Fall into Escaping!

Nora Escapes the Bakery is on sale! I decided to offer a special 22% discount on this book I worked so hard on. It has a beautiful, glossy cover and includes a recipe and a discussion activity. There are sound effects throughout the book, and it’s a wonderful read-along for younger children ages 5–7 and a great immersive experience for readers ages 8 and older. If she’s been on your shopping list, now is the best time to add her to your cart and check out.

Cozy Up with Nora this Fall! 22% Off!

Festivals, Tiptoes, and Crafts!

I truly enjoyed the connections I made at the Storytellers Book Festival in Baltimore including meeting Gillette Dickens of Partnerships in Literacy! I was also so grateful to The Children’s Inn at NIH for welcoming me so well and loving on the kids (I talked about this in detail on my previous post).

It was also super fun going on vacation with God and the children during Children’s Church at Good Shepherd United Methodist Church. We tiptoed our way through the sand and made some fun carved crumb cookies!

Finally, my mom brought me so much joy by helping me set up and sitting with me through the HRAAF African-American Festival in Harrisonburg. I met local council members, librarians, and Parks and Recreation staff who were very interested in Nora Escapes the Bakery!

I thought I would be so tired and physically worn out after three events in one week, but I wasn’t. I felt energized to keep going, and I kept sending out emails! My hard work certainly paid off.

What’s Coming Up this Fall

I’m excited to announce that I have been selected to be featured in Southern Soul Music Magazine this October, a specialized publication dedicated to the culture, history, and community of Southern soul music.

Next, I’ll be headed to Indigo Montessori in Baltimore on October 14th! I’ll be doing a book reading and providing a social-emotional learning (SEL) mirror play activity! We’ll discover how we each express our emotions individually and talk about how Nora experiences some emotions for the first time. Indigo Montessori is a community-embedded elementary micro-school in Baltimore, Maryland. Founding educators Kate Lechner and Sarah Tupper lead the school, and I actually met Sarah at the Storytellers Book Festival!

Then it gets even better. I’ll be appearing on a live-recorded video podcast called Books and Besties Book Club with Avalon S. Brown and Angie Bee. The show will be live on Facebook and YouTube on Saturday, October 17 at 12 p.m. I’ll provide you with a Facebook event closer to the date so you can easily access it and listen in! The Books and Besties Book Club functions as a virtual book fair, chat room, and community broadcast. They talk about reading, writing journeys, faith, and the stories behind different books.

Last, but certainly not least, I connected with Aaron Butler, founder of Book Butler, an independent, family-driven book publishing company. On November 7th, I’ll have a table and games set up at the BLK Author Expo Suitland 2026! Come by to see Nora and me.

Let’s Work Together

I’m currently available for school readings, literary events, workshops, and family events such as birthdays and baby showers!

I’m also opening up a few services for fellow authors, using skills I’ve developed over the years and techniques I’ve used in creating Nora Escapes the Bakery and my other fiction projects. At the moment, I’m offering proofreading, copyediting, Story Grids, and select collaborations. My Story Grid process is a technique I created for my own fiction using a Story Funnel to help organize and shape a story from idea to structure.

So, fellow authors, this part is for you too. I’m taking booking requests via email and Facebook Messenger. If you’re interested in bringing me to your event or working together on your writing, feel free to reach out!

Something New Is in the Shadows

I told you guys I’ve been working very hard, and I’ve been incredibly motivated since Nora came out. Well, make sure you tune in to the Books and Besties Book Club interview next month, on Saturday, October 17 at noon, because I’ll be revealing something special.

There’s something new coming from Crumb Trail Publishing that you cannot overlook.

Don’t worry I’ll send you a reminder! 👁️

Until then, let’s enjoy this fall season as the holidays roll in. Make sure you grab a coat and a warm latte when you step out the door. And pick up a copy of Nora while you’re at it, since she’s on sale. :-)

Cozy Up with Nora this Fall! 22% Off!

By the end of the story, Levi knew every repeated word and sound effect. There was a spark in that story. I knew it. I just didn’t really believe in myself yet.

“Why Don’t You Write a Children’s Book?”

A couple of years later, I visited a friend and their newborn baby. Somewhere in the conversation, I casually mentioned the stories I had been writing during the pandemic and shared Nora Goes Nuts again. I will never forget the mom laughing hysterically. Then she asked me, “Devans, why don’t you write a children’s book? This is so good.” And I actually brushed it off. Again, I wasn’t quite ready to believe in the writer I was becoming.

Fast-forward a few years, and I met an incredible person named Joe through a Bible study group. He told me he had a friend from Jamaica who was a really good illustrator. Well, you know how that went. I connected with Brandon D. Gunning, and after 11 months of collaborating, illustrating, editing, revising, and all of those wonderful things that happen behind the scenes, Nora Escapes the Bakery arrived.

A real book.

Nora had officially escaped my stack of printed pages.

Now I Had to Get Her Out There

But I didn’t want to stop at publishing the book. I was determined to get my first children’s book into the hands of kids who might laugh the way Levi did all those years ago.

So I started reaching out. I contacted just about every news station in Baltimore, major media outlets, schools connected to the tutoring program I had been part of, hospitals, and organizations serving children. And with a little gusto, I even contacted the National Institutes of Health.

That wasn’t a random cold email. I was extremely intentional about it. In Nora Escapes the Bakery, Nora experiences one of the highest moments of her life: she flies through the sky on a kite and proudly declares that she is the first cookie who learned how to fly. But she also experiences one of her lowest moments.

She gets hurt.

For a child, and honestly for many of us, an injury or illness can completely change the way the world feels. There can be doctors, tests, therapies, exhaustion, and things happening to your body that you might not completely understand. That is difficult for anyone, especially a child.

So I began wondering whether children’s hospitals, clinical centers, and organizations supporting families through medical care might connect with Nora’s story. I reached out to several. One of the organizations that responded was The Children’s Inn at NIH.

Wait... They Said Yes?

I have to be honest. I was floored. Even after publishing this book that I loved, I still carried some nervousness and a little lack of confidence.

But The Children’s Inn worked with me to find the right date. They even began telling the children and families that an author would be visiting.

An author. Me.

Because of ongoing construction, they hadn’t hosted an author visit in a while. The Inn is expanding to create additional space for children and families receiving care. I knew this was an opportunity I couldn’t take lightly.

So naturally, my next question became: What can I do to make this FUN?

Enter the Giant Box of Cookies

I have a terrible sweet tooth. And somewhere along the way, I became inspired by those enormous pink bakery boxes you see at Crumbl.

So I created wooden cookie shapes, glued googly eyes onto them…

I gathered pom-poms, 3-D stickers, markers, pipe cleaners, glitter glue, and enough craft supplies to make my house look like a tiny art store had exploded. Then I found a cardboard box and painted it pink so it looked like a gigantic cookie box.

Yes, I committed to the cause. 😂🍪

And of course, the experience could not be complete without actual cookies. Several readers have told me that reading about Nora and Preston makes them hungry or sends them looking for something sweet afterward. So I picked up soft cookies, wrapped them up, and prepared them for the children.

Nora Arrives at the Inn

When I arrived in Bethesda, the team at The Children’s Inn helped me get everything set up. I was incredibly thankful for that.

Then the children began pouring into the space, along with parents, family members, and volunteers. And we escaped the bakery.

I shared Nora’s highs and lows. How she soared through the sky. How she fell. How she moped and moved along the beach boardwalk after her injury. And how she eventually met Preston, the bubbly macadamia cookie who offered her kindness when she had a bad day and needed it most:

“Even with a few less crumbs, you’re still a cookie.”

After the story, we talked for a little while. Then came the crafts. And those children created some BEAUTIFUL cookies. Some made more than one.

I even had the opportunity to use a little Spanish, and I do mean a little 😂, while speaking with a mom from Argentina who translated parts of the story for her daughter as I read.

Before everyone rushed off to dinner, I gave each participating child a copy of Nora Escapes the Bakery and a fresh cookie to take with them.

Even With a Few Less Crumbs

There is a moment in Nora’s adventure when she needs someone to remind her that a difficult experience does not erase who she is. I’ve had days like that. I imagine many of the children at The Inn have too.

Receiving medical care is not easy. At one point, one child shared how difficult one of her therapies had been and how little strength she sometimes had afterward. She shared this while smiling as I handed her a copy of my book. How can you not be touched by a moment like that?

It reminded me why I had reached out in the first place. I was there because sometimes a story can sit beside us for a little while. It can make us laugh. It can help us imagine. It can remind us that one bad day does NOT get the final word.

Five Years Later

And then I thought about Levi. That little boy sitting in a living room five years ago, giggling while I read an unfinished story from pieces of printer paper.

One child laughing at the silly sounds of Nora. Five years later, I was sitting in The Children’s Inn at NIH watching children and adults follow Nora through her biggest risk, her mistakes, her fall, and her journey home with a new friend.

That is what a full-circle moment looks like to me. There are times when we don’t understand what our ideas are becoming while we’re still focused on the earliest versions of them. Sometimes all we have is a little spark, a story, a laugh, or someone saying, “You should write a children’s book.” And maybe we don’t believe them yet. But that doesn’t mean the story is finished.

It truly matters that we use what has been given to us. How we take the messiness of life and create something from it. How we use our talents to create experiences that offer someone else a little joy, comfort, laughter, or love.

When I left The Children’s Inn that afternoon, I said to myself, “The people who work and volunteer there love those kids.” You could feel it. And for a little while, I was invited into that love too. Me and Nora together.

And now the adventure continues. This weekend, I’m headed to Harrisonburg, Virginia, for another book festival. I don’t know exactly what little joys will come from that experience yet, but five years ago, I didn’t know where those printed pages would take me either.

So I think I’ll keep following the crumbs. 💜🍪📚

I hope you all are doing well. Thank you so much for subscribing to my author website, reading my poems, learning about the projects I have coming up, and simply being supportive.

More than anything, I’m thankful for the support and kind words I’ve received in person. I want you to know that it means a lot to me.

And now I have quite a few updates to share!

You Can Now Taste the Story!

I would like to officially announce that the Nora Escapes the Bakery Book & Cookie Gift Box is on sale!

The idea is simple: experience the story and taste it at the same time.

I’ve partnered with Jay Rosenthal, owner of Cupcakes with Purpose, whose online bakery donates 15% of its proceeds to a nonprofit. For this particular collaboration, 15% will go toward supporting children receiving pediatric care in Baltimore, Maryland.

You can order a gift box featuring a signed hardcover copy of Nora Escapes the Bakery along with 6 or 12 freshly baked cookies. The flavors are inspired by the story: Butterscotch, Macadamia, or Sugary Sprinkles.

Order the Nora Book & Cookie Gift Box

Ordering is open July 27–August 5! All gift boxes ship August 8.

We’re giving you a window of time to place your order while also giving our beloved baker precious time to bake the best cookies for you.

Wait... Am I Going on a Book Tour?

I would also like to announce that I am OFFICIALLY going on a book tour. Yes. A real book tour. 😂

My good friend Ashley Nelson recently commented on one of my social media posts, “OK book tour!!”

And you know what? I’m CLAIMING it.

Starting in late August, Nora and I will be participating in several events. Some of these I’ve told you about before, but now I’m looking at the calendar and realizing: Wait a minute. We are actually going places.

First Stop: The Storytellers Book Festival in Baltimore

On August 23, I’ll be at the Storytellers Festival for Childrenn at the St. Francis Neighborhood Center in Baltimore. And I’m not just a vendor!

I have the unique opportunity to share a classroom with two other authors. I’ll be doing a reading of Nora Escapes the Bakery, having a discussion with the children, and, of course, we’ll have a Design Your Own Cookie activity.

So if you’re in the Baltimore area on Sunday, August 23, come meet Nora and me at the Storytellers Festival!

Then Nora Is Headed to NIH

That same week, I’ll be headed to the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland. I’ve been invited to do a reading and talk at The Children’s Inn at NIH during their back-to-school week. And this one means a lot to me.

I’ll also be providing a free copy of the book to every child in attendance.

The children staying at The Children’s Inn are receiving care and treatment through NIH, and I believe Nora’s story fits beautifully in this space. I want those young readers to hear one of the most important messages in the book: “Even with a few less crumbs, you’re still a cookie.”

Life throws us curveballs. Sometimes we get sick. Sometimes doctors tell us things we don’t completely understand. Sometimes life changes in ways we never expected. Nora reminds us that we can still find the courage to keep going.

Sponsor a Little Reader

Then Comes a BIG Cookie Drop

Later in September, I’ll be headed to Good Shepherd United Methodist Church. I’ve been invited to do a book reading during Children’s Church, and we’re also doing a BIG COOKIE DROP. 🍪

And yes, I mean that quite literally. We’re dropping off humongous cookies for the children who participate. So if you’re able to come, you’ll get a story and a treat.

Nora would approve.

Next Stop: Harrisonburg, Virginia!

I’ll also be traveling to Harrisonburg, Virginia, for the Harrisonburg-Rockingham African-American Festival. I’ll be there as a featured author and will also have my table set up throughout the festival. So if you’re in Harrisonburg or somewhere nearby, please stop by and see me!

You can find all of my upcoming appearances here:

See All Book Tour Dates & Appearances

Can We Get to 1,000?

One more thing! I’m currently at 460 followers on Instagram! If I can make it to 1,000 followers, I’ll be able to go LIVE during my events. Wouldn’t that be fun?!

So if you haven’t already, please follow me at @AuthorDevansEli and spread the word about the book tour. I would love to bring some of these adventures to everyone who can’t physically be there.

Please Share My Instagram

And This Is Only the Beginning...

Trust me, many more things are happening. But this is the beginning of my book tour, and I’m excited to finally be able to say that. Nora escaped the bakery.

Apparently, she decided to take me with her. 😂💜🍪

And I’ll keep you updated on where we end up next.

I am overjoyed by the amount of support Nora Escapes the Bakery has received during its very first month of release.

I’m happy to share that 57 readers are already enjoying Nora’s adventure!

Many photos have come in of children holding the book and reading Nora. Even a few adults shared photos of themselves joining the adventure. Every picture, message, and kind word warmed my heart!

When I started writing Nora Escapes the Bakery, I hoped children would enjoy the adventure. I never imagined one little reader would finish the book... and then decide to write one of her own. Once again, a little one reminded me of groundbreaking truth: sometimes the ending of someone’s story is the beginning of someone else’s.

Founding Cookie Creator Award

As I looked through the photos and messages from these amazing young readers, one story stood out in a very special way.

Congratulations to Delaney Polk!

After reading Nora Escapes the Bakery with her grandparents, Delaney joined the discussion, reflected on the story, and then wrote a book of her own called The Butterfly Lake.

Her creativity captured exactly what I hoped Nora would inspire in young readers.

Delaney will receive a beach game, bookmarks, bracelets, and a special feature on Crumb Trail Publishing as our very first Founding Cookie Creator!

Congratulations, Delaney! I can’t wait to see where your imagination takes you next.

Nora & Friends

One of my favorite parts of this first month has been seeing Nora welcomed into so many homes.

Below are a few photos celebrating the wonderful readers who have joined the Cookie Crew. Every smile, every shared story, and every encouraging message reminds me that this little cookie has already begun finding her place in the world.

Could Your Child Be July’s Cookie Creator?

The adventure continues!

Design or decorate an original cookie character inspired by Nora Escapes the Bakery. Give your cookie a name, choose its flavor, imagine its personality, or even create special powers.

Parents and educators can share their child’s creation on Instagram using #NoraEscapesTheBakery and tag @AuthorDevansEli for a chance to be featured on Crumb Trail Publishing and become July’s Cookie Creator!

I can’t wait to meet the next Cookie Creator!

Where You Can Find Me Next

My first official event as an indie author will be at The Ivy Bookshop on July 11!

We’ll enjoy a live reading of Nora Escapes the Bakery, an SEL discussion, and a fun craft activity together.

If you’re in the Baltimore area, I’d love to meet you and your little readers.

Thank You

Looking back on Nora’s first month, I’m watching a community of young readers, parents, grandparents, teachers, librarians, and Cookie Creators begin to grow around this whimsical story.

I am forever grateful for you all’s support!

Thank you for believing in Nora, encouraging me, and giving this little cookie a place in your homes and hearts.

The adventure has only just begun.

It’s hard to put into words what has transpired over the last two weeks.

Nora has jumped out of the jar, and she’s officially on the run.

A growing number of readers are now on the journey with her, turning pages, meeting new friends, and experiencing the twists and turns of Nora Escapes the Bakery. One of the most rewarding parts of this journey has been seeing children engage with the discussion prompts and bake-and-draw activity at the end of the book.

One of my goals for Nora is to encourage children to use their imagination and enjoy life beyond a screen. Life gets messy, but adventures are fun.

Author-Signed Copies Are Here!

I’m excited to announce that I officially have author-signed copies available!

If you’ve been waiting to purchase a signed copy directly from me, you can now order one through my Shopify store:

Get an Author Signed Copy of Nora

Baltimore, Maryland residents have the option select “Local Delivery” which is free.

Thank you to everyone who has already purchased a copy, shared the book, recommended it to a friend, or encouraged me along the way. Every bit of support means more than you know.

Giving Nora Her Shine

Over the past two weeks, I’ve been contacting news stations, blogs, bookstores, and community organizations. I even reactivated my TikTok account.

To be honest, marketing scares me. I’m a very introverted person, and putting myself out there doesn’t come naturally. But Nora deserves every opportunity I can give her, so I’m doing my best to help her find her readers.

I’m incredibly grateful for the reviews already appearing on Amazon and Goodreads. I’m also thankful for the text messages, phone calls, emails, comments, and DMs.

If you’ve already purchased the book, I hope you’ll consider joining Nora’s Summer Adventure Giveaway. I’m sending some fun prizes throughout the summer, and I’d love to see your Cookie Creator submissions!

Nora’s Summer Giveaway

Bakery Collaboration

I’m also excited to share that Nora Escapes the Bakery is partnering with Cupcakes with Purpose, a local Baltimore bakery with a mission to make a difference.

Together, we’re planning special cookie flavors, book-and-cookie boxes, behind-the-scenes content, and community events throughout the summer and fall. As part of the collaboration, 15% of proceeds will support a non-profit right here in Baltimore.

Be sure to follow both of our Instagram accounts for updates and announcements.

Grateful for This Moment

More than anything, I’m looking forward to seeing photos of you and your little ones holding Nora and sharing your thoughts about the story. I’ll be posting a few of those photos below.

I am filled with gratitude to God for allowing a dream to become a reality.

Thank you for believing in me, encouraging me, and helping Nora find her place in the world.

Media Kit + Appearances

Interested in the Summer Reading Adventure, educator resources, downloadable activities, or upcoming events?

My media kit is available here:

Devans Eli Media Kit

You can also visit the Appearances page on this website to see upcoming readings, signings, festivals, and author events.

The adventure continues.

New to Substack? No worries! 🤗

If you can click a link and watch a video, you can join this event.

You will need a free Substack account to watch the live reading. Creating one only takes a minute or two, and there is no cost to join. https://substack.com/

Once you’re signed in, simply click the event link and you’re ready for storytime!

📱 Phone or iPad

1. Download the free Substack app.

2. Create a free account (or sign in).

3. Tap the event link. https://open.substack.com/live-stream/204499

4. Join the live reading when the event begins.

💻 Computer

1. Open the event link in your web browser.

https://open.substack.com/live-stream/204499

2. Create a free Substack account (or sign in).

3. Click the live event.

4. Enjoy the story!

❓ Do I Need a Paid Subscription?

No! The event is free.

All you need is a free Substack account.

Sign up for Substack now!

🍪 Nora is waiting.

📖 Storytime included.

🎁 Prizes included.

✨ Adventure guaranteed.

Sign up here: https://substack.com/

I intentionally saved Tails for last.

He isn’t the main character of Nora Escapes the Bakery, but somehow he enters every scene like he owns the boardwalk. Fast paws. Sharp eyes. A grin that usually means somebody is about to lose a crumb.

Tails is playful, energetic, and impossible to fully predict. Around the beach, you have to stay alert. One moment everything feels calm. The next moment something reddish-brown darts behind a palm tree and suddenly your snack is gone.

That’s part of what makes him fun and part of what makes him dangerous.

Adventures are exciting, but adventures also ask us to pay attention to what moves around us. Some dangers arrive loudly. Some arrive smiling.

Especially the ones who already have a reputation for snatching crumbs.

The Energy of the Chase

When I first imagined Tails, I knew I didn’t want him to feel still for even a second.

I pictured movement before I pictured dialogue. I imagined a creature who rushes into scenes with excitement spilling out ahead of him. A squirrel who leaps before thinking. A squirrel whose biggest brag is the chase itself.

When I described him to Brandon D. Gunning, my illustrator, I explained that I wanted Tails to feel sleek, agile, and slightly overwhelming. I imagined a body full of curved motion and fluffy reddish-brown fur that looked almost cinnamon-colored in the sunlight. I wanted his oversized tail to feel theatrical, like it enters the room before he does.

Most importantly, I wanted readers to feel his hunger for excitement… and cookies! Tails is about about pursuit. He loves the thrill of catching something before it escapes. Because it’s fun!

Brandon absolutely understood the assignment.

From Sketch to Squirrel

Seeing Tails fully illustrated for the first time actually made me laugh.

Brandon captured every ounce of his chaotic energy. The giant tail. The wide grin. The expressive eyes. The outstretched arms that make him feel like he is either about to hug someone or tackle them straight into the sand.

And that uncertainty is exactly who Tails is. He’s fun to watch, read about, and chase through the story. But you probably shouldn’t leave your cookies unattended around him.

Every character in Nora Escapes the Bakery carries a different emotional rhythm. Nora carries longing. Preston carries warmth. Gayle carries comfort. Dune carries wonder.

Tails carries momentum. The second he appears, things move faster.

The Lesson Hidden in the Crumbs

As I continued writing the story, I realized Tails represented something deeper for me.

Sometimes excitement pulls us forward so quickly that we stop paying attention to what’s happening around us. Sometimes curiosity outruns caution. Sometimes the things that sparkle and rush toward us are not always safe to follow blindly.

I’m not saying we stop exploring. But can we learn awareness while we wander.

I think that’s one of the quiet lessons hidden inside Nora Escapes the Bakery. Courage matters. Dreams matter. Adventure matters. But awareness matters too.

Especially near the boardwalk, palm trees, and when you hear tiny footsteps racing nearby.

The Final Character Reveal

And just like that… you’ve officially met the bakery crew.

Nora.
Preston.
Gayle.
Dune.
And now Tails.

Looking back at these character reveals has been emotional for me because each article brought this world a little closer to reality. What began as imagination, sketches, revisions, and scattered thoughts has slowly become something readers will finally get to hold in their hands.

The bakery door opens June 1.

Tails probably got there before everybody else.

Which character are you most excited to see in Nora Escapes the Bakery? 🍪🐿️

The adventure officially begins Sunday, May 31 from 7:00 PM–7:45 PM EST, and you’re invited to bring your little readers along for the journey.

Join me LIVE on Substack as I celebrate the launch of Nora Escapes the Bakery and officially kick off:

🍪🌞Nora’s Crumb Trail - Summer Reading Adventure 🍪🌞

During the Livestream, I will:

• Read a LIVE preview reading of the Nora Escapes the Bakery📖

• Share behind-the-scenes moments from Nora’s world✨

• Introduce the “Design Your Own Cookie” summer activity 🎨

• Launch a summer filled with imagination, courage, creativity, and adventure🧁

DESIGN YOUR OWN COOKIE 🍪

Kids can:

• Draw a cookie inspired by the story

• Name their cookie

• Describe its flavor, personality, or special powers

Selected drawings will be featured throughout the summer on www.crumbtrailpublishing.com

OFFICIAL RULES FOR PARENTS & EDUCATORS:

• Post their child or student’s drawing on Instagram📸

• Use #NoraEscapesTheBakery🏷️

• Tag @AuthorDevansEli 🏷️

• Your profile must be public and your DMs must be open so we can view your submission and contact selected Cookie Creators

Throughout June, July, and August, selected Cookie Creators will receive “Golden Crumb Prize Packs” filled with sweet summer surprises!

• Custom Nora beach towel🏖️

• Pizza adventure night prize🍕

• Sticker pack🍪

• Bracelets✨

• Bookmarks🔖

…and special recognition for joining Nora’s Summer Reading Adventure!

Giveaway submissions close August 23, 2026!

READY FOR TAKEOFF ✨

Bring your kids to the live, get cozy, and come celebrate the beginning of Nora’s next adventure with me. 🍪✨

LIVE📍

(Scheduled Aug 31st at 7pm EST):
https://open.substack.com/live-stream/204499

🌊 Hop on Nora’s Crumb Trail

Nora’s Crumb Trail

Adventures, games, and cookie fun with Nora & Preston!

By Devans Eli

Most of the stories that I come up with originate from conversations I’ve had with friends or dreams. And me being an overthinker, I usually ruminate every funny detail or surreal image I envision. But that ends up becoming a crazy outlandish story. Usually funny, shocking, and somehow relatable.

Nora is just that.

Though I spent my childhood drawing on paper, I’m only now venturing into digital art. I’m still a student of the craft. I also knew that I didn’t want to use AI for my children’s book because I wanted to ensure that a human could draw out the soul of the main character. I needed a person to capture those heavy moments and little nuances.

For Nora Escapes the Bakery, I partnered with Brandon D. Gunning, an experienced Black illustrator based in Jamaica whose work spans children’s books, comics, fantasy storytelling, and freehand digital art. From toddlers to early readers to older kids, his work captures personality in motion.

When I began searching for someone to bring Nora to life, I was looking for someone who would understand her and have that technical skill. Since I’m a creative myself, I can spot genuine artistry from a mile away.

Not only did Brandon take time to read my manuscript, he understood the themes in a story, saw the big picture moments, and he noticed very subtle details. I knew then that he was the “architect” I needed.

Below is our conversation about art, imagination, and why Nora matters.

Interview with Brandon D. Gunning

On Art & Background

Devans: Hi Brandon. Tell us about yourself, your illustration style, and how your background in Jamaica influences the stories you bring to life.

Brandon: Hi there! Brandon D. Gunning here! I love animation, story writing and illustration.

Growing up, there was a huge anime and Disney following. I love how Disney captures childhood wonder in their illustrations and movies, so I’ve tried to master that through years of studying the arts and human anatomy.

On Discovering Nora

Devans: When you first read Nora Escapes the Bakery, what stood out to you? And how did you approach visually capturing Nora’s emotional journey?

Brandon: I saw a girl who needed to see the world for herself. I wanted to capture her curiosity and determination in the new environment she was seeing for the first time.

When Nora was excited, I wanted the readers to see what she sees—a great big world to explore. But when she was sad, it was important to show the intimate close-ups of the emotional journey she was going through in the drawings.

~~~

Devans: What makes Nora different from other characters you’ve illustrated?

Brandon: She was the first cookie character I’ve ever drawn with such strong human-like qualities.

On Craft & Process

Devans: Walk us through your creative process. What does a Nora illustration look like from first sketch to final color, and what was the most challenging part of bringing her to life?

Brandon: The most challenging part was trying not to make Nora look like a generic round cookie like her siblings. She’s the main character, so she needed to stand out. Thankfully, you wanted to add a bow—I also added a heart-shaped symbol on her chest and gave her beautiful eyes. That’s when she really started to look like the lead.

~~~

Devans: Nora is a cookie. How do you visually communicate emotion in a character who isn’t human?

Brandon: The strongest emotional tools are usually the eyes and the body language. It was important to capture a visual image that fit the narrative of the story at that exact moment.

On Meaning

Devans: What does Nora mean to you personally?

Brandon: To me, she represents having the courage to explore what your heart desires. It might have its challenges, but the lessons learned are worth more than gold.

~~~

Devans: What do you hope children take away from this story?

Brandon: Don’t stay in your jar. It’s important to be brave and make friends.

~~~

Devans: Why do you believe a story like Nora is needed in our world right now?

Brandon: To remind us that even though the world can feel unfair sometimes, it is also filled with loved ones to help us through our journey.

Rapid Fire Questions

Devans: Favorite cookie flavor?

Brandon: Oatmeal raisin cookies (yum).

~~~

Devans: One word to describe Nora.

Brandon: Adventurous!

~~~

Devans: Which character took a life of their own during the illustration process?

Brandon: Tails the squirrel! He was so hungry that he ended up with such a crazy look in his expression.

Devans: Yes! He is always hot on the chase! Thanks for sitting down with me to chat about Nora, Brandon. Any parting words for our readers?

Brandon: Readers, I hope you and your loved ones enjoy Nora’s story and the important lessons that it holds. It was an honor working on this project.

About Brandon

Based in Jamaica, Brandon D. Gunning is a premier digital illustrator dedicated to bringing high-quality, human-driven artistry to children’s literature, comics, and fantasy worlds. By blending the expressive energy of Anime with the timeless wonder of Disney, Brandon creates vibrant narratives that resonate with everyone from toddlers to older children. He has spent years mastering human anatomy and dynamic composition, allowing him to breathe life into characters that feel authentic and relatable. Whether he is designing a unique character with deep emotional complexity or illustrating a grand adventure, Brandon’s focus remains on capturing the soul of the story… a detail only a human artist can truly achieve. For me, Brandon is a intentional artist who can make a full page illustration an entire experience.

For authors and creators looking to elevate their projects, Brandon offers a collaborative and professional experience as a top-rated illustrator on Fiverr. He specializes in transforming initial concepts into polished, professional-grade assets through a meticulous process of freehand digital art. Known for his ability to read between the lines and find the subtle emotional beats in a script, Brandon ensures every project stands out from the generic. From bold, outlandish tales to intimate character studies, he provides the artistic vision necessary to help independent authors compete on a global stage and truly connect with their readers.

Explore more of Brandon’s work:

Connect with Brandon to work with him on Fiverr

Brandon D. Gunning on Fiverr

Follow him on Instagram

@brandon_d_gunning on IG

Something special is coming next week. 🍪

For interviews, media inquiries, review copies, or event opportunities, please contact: authordevanseli@gmail.com

The blueprints are finalized, and the coast is clear.

I’ve been quiet for a reason. We’ve been preparing for the greatest breakout in bakery history.

On June 1st, 2026, the mission begins: Nora Escapes the Bakery.

The Mission: Run

What if there’s more to life than waiting to be chosen?

So one day… Nora, the spunky Butterscotch cookie, stops waiting.

She dashes!

And everything changes.

Get the Blueprint today (Preorder Now)

Choose an escape path.

The Pocket Map: eBook (Amazon)

Be ready to read the moment the mission begins.🗺️
Preorder the eBook

eBook Edition

The Master Plan: Hardcover (Barnes & Noble)

Be part of Nora’s very first batch leaving the bakery.📖
Preorder the Hardcover

Hardcover Laminate Edition

Official Release: June 1, 2026

Preorders help Nora’s story reach more readers 💛

What to expect from Nora

Nora’s escape plan is filled with:

• Courage in uncertain moments

• Friendship when things feel scary

• Discovery beyond what feels safe

It is a story that reminds children (and the inner child in us all):

Even when things fall apart, you are still enough. 🫂

Here’s a Peek Inside the Adventure

Nora leaves the bakery…

She runs from a hungry squirrel.

She climbs a mountain that isn’t what it seems.

She flies through the sky holding onto a kite.

And along the way, she learns something she never expected.

This “Master Plan” is perfect For

• Children ages 5–10

• Bedtime reading and shared storytime

• Classrooms and group learning

• SEL (Social and Emotional Learning) discussions

• Parents and caregivers seeking meaningful, fun stories

💡 Includes built-in discussion prompts and a bake + draw activity to extend the adventure and bring the story into real life.

Follow the Crumbs

Nora’s Crumb Trail—her safe house beyond the bakery—is now open:

Nora’s Crumb Trail

Adventures, games, and cookie fun with Nora & Preston!

By Devans Eli

This is where her story continues to grow:

• Analog Intel: Printable games to enjoy away from screens

• Creative Maneuvers: Activities to explore and create at home

• Cookie Profiles: Meet the friends (and a few surprises) in Nora’s world

• Beyond the Horizon: New adventures waiting outside the oven

Access Granted

If you’re reading this, you’ve officially been recruited. You’re now part of Nora’s inner circle, the Cookie Crew.

As we count down to June 1st, I’ll be sharing exclusive intel:

• The Visual Architect: A sit-down interview with our illustrator

• The Dossier: Behind-the-scenes moments from the making of the story

• Character Profiles: Get to know who’s part of the journey

• The Countdown: Everything leading up to launch day

The breach is complete. 🚨

Nora took the leap… now the world gets to see where she lands.

Secure Your Copy Before the Escape

Preorder the eBook

Reserve your hardcover copy

The countdown to June 1 begins now.

*Also available at Walmart

But before Nora fully steps into the world, I wanted to offer something you can experience right now. Something simple, joyful, and hands-on. Something that lets you meet her before the story officially begins.

The Nora Escapes the Bakery Coloring Pages are officially here!

Nora Escapes the Bakery - Coloring Pages

A Little Taste of the Bakery

These pages are more than just printable sheets. They are a doorway into the bakery. They give children, families, and educators the chance to sit down, pick up a crayon, and engage with the characters in a way that feels immediate and personal. Before the plot unfolds and before the adventure takes shape, you get to meet Nora, Preston, Dune, and Gayle right where they are—waiting, ready, and full of personality.

Inside the collection, you’ll find a growing set of pages featuring Nora, the curious butterscotch cookie who dares to dream; Preston, the steady and thoughtful friend who brings warmth wherever he goes; Dune, the playful and wandering pup who finds joy in every direction; and Gayle, the heart of the bakery, whose presence holds everything together. There is also an Adventure Pack filled with additional fun, and a mystery character quietly waiting to be discovered.

You can explore the full collection here:

Nora Escapes the Bakery - Coloring Pages

And if you’d like to see the store front, you can visit the full shop here:

Author Devans Eli Shopify Store

Something Special Already Happened

Before I even had the chance to formally share these, something meaningful happened. Two of my newest members of the Cookie Crew, Kinsley and McKenna, received their prints early. They sat down at the table, spread out their pages, and began coloring Nora and Gayle with care, focus, and their own creative choices. Watching them engage with these characters in real time reminded me why I started this journey in the first place. It is one thing to imagine a story. It is another thing entirely to see it come alive in someone else’s hands.

That moment stayed with me. It reminded me that this book was meant to be experienced, shared, and reimagined by the very people it was created for. That is why these coloring pages matter.

Why I Created These

I wanted children to step into Nora’s story instead of just reading it. I wanted them to make their own decisions about color, expression, and possibility. This is their moment to laugh, to explore, and maybe even begin asking their own questions about what lies beyond the familiar. These pages are a small but meaningful bridge between imagination and reality, and they allow Nora’s world to begin unfolding long before the book is released.

The Adventure Begins Here

So, are you ready? You don’t have to wait to begin the adventure. You can start now, right where you are. Download a page. Print it out. Sit at the table. Choose your colors. Meet the Cookie Crew in your own way. And if you feel moved to share what you create, I would genuinely love to see it. You reach out to me me directly at authordevanseli@gmail.com or reply to this article in your email!

Friends, this story has always been bigger than me. It was always meant to be shared.

Listen for What’s Next

Nora is coming. And trust me, she is not alone. Thank you for being here with me and waiting on the bakery doorbell chimes to ring. Thank you for BELIEVING in this story before it even reaches your hands. 🍪✨

Go ahead and grab your FREE coloring page now!

Nora Escapes the Bakery - Coloring Pages

Nora is coming soon. 🍪

When I cracked the egg, TWO yolks dropped into the pan.

I’ve been told that means you’re blessed, so I made a wish.

Don’t ask me what 37 means in numerology or what spiritual portal I’m supposedly entering, because I don’t have a magic answer. What I do have is gratitude. I’m thankful to be here. And when I look back at 36, I feel an unexpected mix: calmness, healthy anxiety, and excitement.

There’s also a darker part of me that wants to zoom in on what hurt. The part that still remembers how to bear burdens. The part that learned to live with one eye open. Trauma can make your mind feel like a smoke alarm that never stops chirping.

But Divine Spirit, You keep turning my face toward what’s been GOOD, and asking me to actually hold onto it. Not rush past it. Not minimize it. Not treat joy like it’s temporary.

So I’m cherishing the evidence.

I travelled to Colombia, the Carolinas, Florida, and New York. I painted. I wrote poetry. I reconnected with my illustrator for my children’s book. After almost five years, I stepped into a church I’m still attending, and it didn’t feel like obligation. I started an interest group with the help of a few faithful others. I danced in the snow with my mother-in-love. I picked up classes. I even made room for a few therapy sessions.

And I’m learning something that feels like a suture closing up an old wound: I can’t expect myself from everybody.

I don’t know what’s coming next. I don’t know what 37 will demand or deliver. I just know I’m trying to live fully, with what I have and what I’ve been given, without punishing myself for being human along the way.

Just like Nora, the main character of my children’s book, I’m finding my way home one way or another. There are lessons tucked inside my big adventure, and I’m meeting beloved friends along the way.

So here’s to an egg yolk of blessing.

I’m Devans Eli. And this is 37 years in the making.

Nora is baking.

Her family is being created as we speak. The kitchen smells of delight. The oven warms. Everyone in the bakery is leaning in, waiting to see her. Nora’s dreams are right at the tip of the jar.

Gayle is getting ready to welcome children through the door, wiping flour from her hands and smiling before the bell even rings.

Dune is chasing his tail again, running in circles, pausing only when the scent of something sweet drifts through the air.

Preston is running too. Running from a place that doesn’t feel like home. Running from someone who’s hungry. Running toward something better, even if he doesn’t know what it looks like yet.

Someone new is also near. He has a quiet presence. He’s hiding behind trees. Ducking behind corners. Waiting. Watching. Ready to leap when the moment is right.

What am I really saying?

The illustrations are almost finished. Just a few more to go. The cover is next, and it will be hot and ready before long. I’m standing at the doorway now, choosing how Nora will enter the world. The publishing path is coming into focus.

If you’re here reading this, thank you for waiting with Nora and me. Thank you for listening for the bell.

Nora is coming. 🍪

I think January arrives without asking for attention.

It’s a month that stretches quietly. It lingers. It lets the world breathe after the rush of so many festivities. The lights are dimmer now. The air is brick. Time feels looser in our hands. We are no longer running around, but we are not settled either. January is a month of movement without urgency. It feels like waiting without worry.

That makes me think about Dune.

Meet Dune, the Yellow Dog

Dune is the yellow dog in Nora Escapes the Bakery, and he carries that same sense of waiting and wandering. He is playful. He is patient. He is perpetually curious. He moves through the world with his tongue out, his tail wagging, and his eyes wide enough to catch everything at once.

A World Full of Invitations

Dune loves attention, not because he needs it, but because he delights in connection. Just about anything will make his ears perk up. A laugh. A call. A cookie waved in the air. Every sound feels like an invitation. Every moment feels new.

He is always looking around, never quite looking ahead. One step forward, two steps sideways. A pause. A pivot. A sudden sprint toward something only he noticed. Time moves differently for him. It stretches when he’s sniffing. It disappears when he’s running. By the time he circles back, the day has already changed.

Like January.

Running Toward Delight

You’ll find Dune charging through playgrounds with sand on his paws and joy in his chest. You’ll find him bounding across beaches where the wind tangles his fur and the seagulls scatter just in time. He doesn’t realize he might be bigger than the birds he greets or the crabs he tries to befriend. He only knows they are there. That feels like reason enough.

Dune runs toward delight. He doesn’t spend much time thinking about destinations.

And cookies. Oh, those are his weakness. The smell alone is enough to stop him mid-step. He will sit, stare, and scheme. If a cookie is within reach, Dune believes it was meant for him. And honestly, who could argue with that kind of faith?

January asks us move like that too.

This is the month where we learn how to wait without freezing. Where wandering becomes its own wisdom. Where patience doesn’t always mean stillness, and movement doesn’t require certainty. Like Dune, we follow what feels warm. What feels curious. What feels alive.

Soft Starts and Open Spaces

In the story, Dune doesn’t know where he’s going next. He just knows he wants to keep going. When I think about Dune, I think about how I’ve been learning to live with more spontaneity. I’m a planner. I’ve been clearing paths my whole life. But I’m learning that joy sometimes arrives through distraction. Through detours. Through moments I didn’t plan for. In 2025, my family signed up for the Baltimore Pride parade without realizing we needed choreography. Also, we were drawn to the beautiful tradition of Día de los Muertos, and chose at the last minute to embrace the celebration as a heartfelt way to honor our loved ones.

If I’m always constrained a plan, I’m not sure I would have the courage to turn around and notice anything new!

Dune reminds me that beginnings don’t have to be loud to be meaningful. That waiting can be playful. That time passing isn’t time wasted.

January is a season of soft starts and open spaces.

Until spring arrives, Dune will keep running. Through parks. Through beaches. Through moments that feel small but matter deeply. He will keep waiting in his own way.

He’s waiting to meet you.

With patience. With presence. With paws ready to move the moment something wonderful appears.

And maybe that’s enough for now.

Wandering Together

December arrives like the gentle bell chime above a bakery door. A sound that is soft, warm, inviting. It brings light into dim corners, sweetness into the air, and a sense of gathering that wraps itself around us like a scarf. The world leans into baking, gift-giving, and small moments with the people who bring us joy.

Gayle, the baker in my upcoming children’s book, carries that same spirit. From the moment she first appeared in my imagination, she felt like December itself: generous, creative, colorful, and full of wonder. She is the warmth inside the bakery when the weather outside cools, the first whiff of something sweet drifting from the oven, and the reminder that joy is made with intention.

Her presence shapes Nora’s entire world.

The Heart Behind the Apron

Long before I knew Gayle’s exact features, I knew her feeling. I felt the presence of a warm, nurturing African American woman with smiling eyes, someone whose spirit could touch a whole neighborhood. I saw hints of her purple apron with playful white polka dots, a soft green blouse, a classic black skirt, and brown curls bouncing whenever she laughed. Her entire look needed to carry the colors of the holidays. She needed to be fun, familiar, and full of comfort.

I always imagined her bakery as whimsical and cozy, filled with marble shelves and glass jars, each one lined with treats ready to be shared. Apple pie on display, lemon cake cooling on the counter, and the beloved butterscotch cookies resting in their glass jar with the lid ever so slightly tipped. Outside, the bell above the door would ring and purple shingles would glow in the sunlight, with the beach just a few steps away. Gayle’s bakery needed to be a place where imagination rises like dough and dreams feel possible.

But more than any shape or color, Gayle needed to be a baker who makes treats out of both sugar and stories. Someone whose kindness flavors every creation.

How Gayle Took Shape

Gayle didn’t come to life through early sketches like Nora and Preston did. She arrived in pieces of description, voice, and personality of someone I already know and hold close. She is in fact a real life person whom I love very much. So Gayle, the Baker, was a full-grown character waiting patiently for her turn.

She’d be seen as warm and nurturing, creative and intentional, round and comforting like a soft hug. She needed to love her bakery deeply and see potential in every cookie resting in her jars. In my mind, she was the anchor of the bakery. She’s the one who dreamt up the flavors, arranged the shelves, and kept the magic alive. She is the adult many of us needed growing up: steady, bright, imaginative, and full of love. She is essentially a mother. My mother.

When it was time to bring her fully into the world, I passed her into the hands of my illustrator, Brandon D. Gunning, whose talent and sensitivity captured her beautifully.

The Gayle You’ll Meet

Here she is! The baker who is radiant, joyful, and fully alive.

Brandon brought Gayle to life with such intentionality. Her warm brown skin, bright eyes, and purple apron glow with the spirit of December. She stands in a welcoming pose, almost as if she is mid-laughter, inviting you into her bakery with open arms. In her presence, you can almost smell the butterscotch cookies cooling on the counter, the apple pie steaming in the display case, and the lemon cake singing its citrus song. Right now in this moment, her spirit is lighting the Christmas tree.

Gayle feels like Christmas. Her hands are busy, her smile is wide, and her heart is full.

Why Gayle Matters

Gayle unknowingly shapes Nora’s courage. She designs the bakery, fills the jars, decorates the shelves, and creates the world Nora longs to explore. Through her gentle routines and creative spirit, she teaches without ever needing to say a word. Creativity, in her world, is a gift meant to be shared. Kindness makes people brave. Warmth has a way of helping others take their first steps. And joy, when given freely, always multiplies.

Gayle is the reason Nora believes something beautiful waits on the other side of the jar.

The Spirit of Gayle

If Nora represents courage and Preston represents gratitude, Gayle represents wonder that fills December with sparkle and warmth. Through her, I’ve learned that creativity is sacred, generosity leaves gentle ripples, and a sense of home can be crafted with your hands. She reminds me that love can be tasted, especially in something baked with intention.

Gayle is the magic inside the bakery windows. She is the glow that makes Nora dream. She is the steady heartbeat of the story.

Your Turn

What part of Gayle reminds you most of December. The warmth, the color, the creativity, or the sense of home?

I’d love to hear your thoughts below.