Hi, I’m
Juan Carlos
I believe clear minds begin with curious young hearts. My mission is to create stories that inspire children to think independently and see the world with wonder.
My Journey
Under the vast starry skies of the high desert, I’ve found a unique lens for creating children’s literature. From directing award-winning documentaries that transformed perceptions to leading product innovation at high-growth startups, my diverse paths converge in picture books that help young readers see the world more clearly.
I’ve authored works like An Unforgettable World, We Are All One, and Bird Nerd, each designed to nurture independent thought and invite children to explore life’s complexities with confidence and curiosity.
My Approach
As a storyteller, I create narratives that encourage critical thinking. As a father to Florence and Miles, I see firsthand how the right stories can shape children’s understanding of the world.
The desert landscape, where my family and I marvel at nature’s wonders, reminds me that what we choose to focus on—the frames through which we view our world—defines our reality from the earliest age. My picture books help children discover their most meaningful frames, guiding them toward lives of purpose and clarity.
I believe that by helping young minds think clearly, we prepare them to lead purposeful lives and create a brighter future for all.
Self-Published Books
Bird Nerd
My girl is a bird nerd who loves looking through her binoculars to see them up close. When my daughter cannot identify one, she opens her birds book to uncover the answer. As she searches, my girl relates everything she knows about them, from their feathers to how they fly. Most importantly, that humanity needs to ensure our birds’ survival.
About the Book
This story helps children understand how wonderful and vital birds are to our ecosystem. As you read it with your children, you might even want to take action on our declining avian population.
Flipping through the pages, readers see detailed full-color illustrations of twenty bird species.
Fun to read for adults and easy for children to read all by themselves as they grow into it, with simple words and illustrations that give clues to their meaning.
What’s it About?
K-2
48
20
39
Look Inside
I love birds. And that’s more than just words.
My Mom and Dad say I’m a bit of a nerd.
Because all I’ve learned and read about birds.
We Are All One
There are billions of humans living all kinds of lives on earth, and despite all our differences, we’re all here together.
About the Book
A child’s mind is open to all things and people. Our tiny blue planet in the vast universe is where everyone lives, dreams, eats, and loves.
This story helps children see the similarities in how folks live around the world. As you read it with your children, you might even think more broadly about your fellow brethren.
While humanity has never been harder to comprehend, and others may see the world differently, we must never lose sight that we are all humans. We are more similar than we are different.
Fun to read for adults and easy for children to read all by themselves as they grow into it, with simple words and illustrations that give clues to their meaning.
What’s it About?
K-2
48
24
21
Look Inside
We are all one.
The earth revolves around the sun.
An Unforgettable World
A child’s imagination is only limited by what it can dream. This story helps children look and think about our world which is full of wonders. From animals to landscapes to stargazing, there are so many things we have experienced and have yet to experience.
About the Book
Think of all the amazing places on earth to discover, the incredible animals living in their natural habitat, and those fleeting moments in nature that only you’ll get to see.
As you read it with your children, you may start reaching for a backpack and walking stick yourself. Not only does it help children see new possibilities, but it also encourages readers to live in the moment.
Fun to read for adults and easy for children to read all by themselves as they grow into it, with simple words and illustrations that give clues to their meaning.
What’s it About?
K-2
48
20
54
Look Inside
A world awaits not far from here. Mountains high and seas clear.
Be inspired, have no fear. Dare to wander, go in good cheer.
Illustrations
Each illustration captures a story’s essence—a glimpse into the worlds I create for young readers. This concept art for ‘A Dragon Dreams in Color’ demonstrates how I use visual storytelling to explore themes of creativity, authenticity, and transformation.
A Dragon Dreams in Color
In a world where sky dragons have forgotten their ancient role of coloring the skies, young Finn discovers his innate artistic talents during a journey of self-discovery. Upon returning home, he inspires his fellow dragons to reclaim their creative heritage, transforming their gray world with vibrant colors and demonstrating how one dragon’s authenticity can renew an entire community.