Leah Rise is a children's book author whose picture book Maverick A Million (and accompanying coloring book), invites readers through the Whispering Woods, where a young guardian named Maverick helps animals uncover their hidden strengths.
As a mother of four adopted children, a storyteller, and an educator, Leah has led anything but an ordinary life. Her decade-long journey as a foster mom shaped her understanding of resilience and the power of unconditional love. It’s these real-life lessons that fuel her stories, which aim to help children uncover their own strengths and navigate life’s challenges.
Inspired by her son Maverick, Leah’s debut book carries the same heartfelt message she shares with her children every day—that who you are is enough and your strength comes from within.
In this special Q&A, we talk to Leah about her book Maverick A Million and the journey that led her to bring this story to life.
1. What inspired you to write this story?
Maverick A Million was, without a doubt, inspired by my youngest son, Maverick. He’s a thoughtful, imaginative kid who sometimes struggles to see just how incredible he truly is. Like many children, he can get caught up in comparing himself to others, often feeling like he falls short.
Whether it’s at school or on the playground, he tends to believe that everyone else is better—stronger, faster, more capable. I wanted to create a story that would remind him, and kids like him, that their awesomeness isn’t defined by how they stack up to anyone else.
I wrote this book to help Maverick trust in his own unique strengths and see that his confidence and courage come from within. Who he is—or isn’t—has nothing to do with anyone else. It’s about embracing what makes him special and realizing that his value doesn’t need validation from outside comparisons.
My hope is that this story will inspire children to find their own light, trust in their abilities, and know that they are enough just as they are.
2. What did you enjoy the most about writing it?
One of the most exciting parts of writing Maverick A Million was stepping into a completely new creative space. I’ve always been passionate about storytelling, but this was my first time crafting a book specifically for children. It was a fresh challenge that pushed me out of my comfort zone and allowed me to see things from a child’s perspective. I loved finding ways to weave important life lessons into an engaging and relatable story.
It was also incredibly rewarding to collaborate with the illustrator and see my words come to life through the artwork. Watching the characters develop visually was like seeing a part of my imagination take on a new dimension. Knowing that these illustrations would help capture the hearts of young readers made the process even more special.
3. What do you want to tell readers with your story?
The message I want to share with readers is that everyone has their own unique strengths and journey. It’s easy for children (and even adults) to fall into the trap of comparing themselves to others, but Maverick A Million reminds them that their path is their own. No two people are the same, and that’s what makes life so beautiful.
Through Maverick’s story, I hope children learn that they don’t need to measure their worth by someone else’s accomplishments. Each person’s destiny is different, and that’s okay. By focusing on their own growth and embracing their individual talents, they can find the courage and confidence to shine in their own way.
4. How do the illustrations complement the text?
The illustrations by Bijan Samaddar play a vital role in connecting young readers to the heart of the story. Since Maverick A Million is geared toward children ages 4-8, it was important to ensure that the visuals captured their attention while reinforcing the book’s messages. The bright, engaging images help children fully immerse themselves in Maverick’s world, making the story feel more tangible and relatable.
For young readers, illustrations often serve as a bridge to understanding the emotions and lessons conveyed in the text. In Maverick A Million, the artwork highlights pivotal moments of Maverick’s journey, enhancing the emotional depth of the story. It’s one thing to read about a character facing their fears, but it’s another to see that moment vividly depicted on the page. The combination of words and visuals ensures that even the youngest readers can grasp the story’s message of courage and self-belief.
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Leah Rise shares the joy of reading with her children.
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