
What do runes, herbal tea, and a wise owl named Mama B have in common? They’re all part of the magical world of Poppy the Awesome Opossum—a children’s chapter book series brought to life by Julie LeBriton.
In this heartwarming episode, April O’Leary sits down with Julie to talk about how a chance discovery of a stuffed animal sparked an idea that became a two-book series, and how her stories carry big life messages disguised as forest adventures.
Poppy’s journey is rooted in self-discovery, bravery, and curiosity. Children meet characters who teach lessons on intuition, friendship, and inner strength. Adults, too, will find themselves learning about meditation, runes, and the healing properties of teas—often for the first time.
Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or simply someone who believes in the power of storytelling, this episode will inspire you to follow your creative nudges and maybe even throw a Poppy-themed tea party of your own.
In This Episode You’ll Learn:
How a stuffed animal inspired a magical children’s book series with a message of self-worth
Why introducing kids to meditation early can help them build lifelong emotional tools
What Norse runes are and how they’re used to empower children through storytelling
How Julie’s writing process was guided by intuition and meditation—often while driving or in stillness
The significance of “keys” in the Poppy series and how they symbolize life lessons like bravery and purpose
Why it’s never too late to become an author, even if you’ve never considered yourself a writer
How herbal teas and essential oils are introduced to young readers to teach wellness in a playful way
The creative extras that come with Julie’s books—from free coloring pages to 3D printed Poppy figures
How parents, educators, and children can host Poppy-themed tea parties and literacy events
The importance of reading above your child’s level to spark imagination and encourage deeper understanding
Share this!
“This story didn’t belong to me—it belonged to everyone.”
“Knowledge is a treasure—and kids deserve the keys early.”
“Reading to your child stretches their mind beyond their reading level.”
“Poppy teaches kids—and reminds parents—how awesome they are.”
Mentioned in this Episode:
O’Leary Publishing's free guide: Manuscript Magic
Let’s connect!
Follow April on Instagram @olearypublishing
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