Hello Friends!
I appreciate your patience as I haven’t blogged in a “minute,” but I’ve been deeply involved in the development of a new children’s travel book series called TRAVEL with OSO! There’s a wealth of information to share about my new fun project, so let me start by introducing the TRAVEL with OSO series and explaining how it all started!
I have long been wanting to create a travel series, and recently, I had the opportunity to explore Route 66 during the 100th anniversary of this road with a friend. Throughout the journey, I meticulously took notes on the accessibility of the attractions, considered whether children would enjoy the experiences, and evaluated each spot based on a “family fun factor”!
The information culminated in a multi-book series featuring four enchanting characters. First, we have Jade, an exuberant 8-year-old who is always on the go! Next is Jack, a smart and clever photographer who navigates life using a wheelchair due to mobility challenges. His loyal service dog, Buddy, is the third character, providing companionship and support. Finally, we meet our “team mascot,” Oso! Together, they journey along the iconic Route 66, exploring hidden caverns and discovering quirky attractions like the Blue Whale of Catoosa. They make new friends, including Kaya from Oklahoma, and relish experiences like riding in an accessible hot air balloon and watching stunning sunsets at the Painted Desert in Arizona. Their adventures are engaging and kindhearted, showcasing the incredible Mother Road from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California!
A little bit about the process…
The actual writing was trickier than creating the characters. I knew that I wanted to incorporate my photos, experiences, and storytelling into the series. I also wanted Jack’s use of a wheelchair to not be a huge part of the story, but an opportunity to discuss in each book about access and Inclusion along Route 66. I outlined each of the “main stories” and then started pulling together my notes, tabbed websites, and pamphelts I had collected along our drive. I knew that I had enough material for several books, especially since young readers don’t usually have the patience for a 70+ page text.
So, I diligently conducted research, wrote for hours and hours, tore up a bunch of first and second drafts, and then repeated the process – several times. Amidst all this writing and research, I proudly launched a website – TravelwithOso.com! Furthermore, I created an array of curricula, games, activities, posters, and maps on the site to enrich learning experiences! My hope is for children to interact with Oso and delve into all the games, while educators uncover the essential lessons surrounding travel, culture, friendship, language, and accessibility!
Now, it is no secret that I am NOT an artist. So, I confess—I enlisted a bit of digital magic to help create these characters by providing an AI program with very specific prompts. The same goes for the background images in the books, which drew from my photography and were crafted with clear direction. Sometimes, the outcomes were hysterically funny! I’ll never forget some of the more notable “mishaps,” like Jack having a third arm or Oso sporting a dog’s tail! Yet, all things considered, I am pleased with the results!
Introducing the Travel with Oso Route 66 Book Series!
Since, I was new at writing a travel series for children, I thought I would start off “easy” with a primer- TRAVEL with OSO– Route 66. This book is written for an intended audience of 2- 6 year olds. I added a few games to keep little travelers busy in a car or restaurant. The book published this month on Amazon and the feedback has been very good! (Phew!)
You can read more about this book and view/download additional activities on the Travel with Oso website.
Travel with Oso and Friends – ILLINOIS – A Route 66 Adventure!
This book was just released this week. The book begins with an explanation of Route 66 and then several pages depicting in detail Route 66 destinations! The book includes games, “challenges”, and much information for grown-ups to read, too!
Available on Amazon, with extended learning on TravelwithOso.com
A couple of sample pages:
A Travel Journal for Kids! Now available on Amazon!
SOON TO BE RELEASED:
Travel with Oso and Friends will be releasing the Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma storybook next. (September 2026). Followed by Texas and New Mexico and lastly, Arizona and California. All books are expected to be available for the December 2026 holiday season on Amazon.
MY ROUTE 66 TRAVEL JOURNAL
The last book in the Route 66 series is the travel journal. I wrote it for kids to chronicle their experiences along the Mother Road. The prompts are easy to follow, making it a perfect tool for homeschooling families. This journal not only encourages creativity, but also allows children to engage with their environment in a hands-on way. This book can serve as a valuable supplement for children who may prefer to draw over writing or are budding “authors.” The book will be available on Amazon and other websites as a download, ensuring easy access for all families and educators.
And now for a little surprise! A GIVEAWAY!
Thank you for reading until the end! I am sponsoring a GIVEAWAY! Three lucky winners will randomly be picked to receive the paperback copy of TRAVEL with OSO on SEPTEMBER 22, 2026. Simply comment below why you wish a copy of the book. Here are some simple rules:
- Must write a comment below about the Travel with Oso series and why you wish the book.
- Must comment by September 21, 2026, 11:59 pm Pacific Time
- Must have an address in the United States.
- If your prefer to win the AMAZON KINDLE version, please note that in the comment.
- Must not be an immediate relative of Louise Sattler.
Thanks for reading and Good Luck!
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