Stephanie Pressler is a Louisiana native with a bachelor’s degree in social work from Southeastern Louisiana University and a master’s in teaching from Armstrong Atlantic University. She taught elementary school for ten years before becoming a stay-at-home mom and founding a DIY crafting business called Stephanie’s Craft Room, LLC.
One day, when Stephanie and her daughter, Nora, went on a walk, Nora pretended that objects in the neighborhood were safari animals. This turned into a tradition on all their walks—except with more appropriate (and magical) safari gear. Nora and Her Magical Binoculars is Stephanie’s debut book, and she hopes to share more of her and Nora’s imaginative adventures in the future.
Q: What motivated you to tell this story, and why now?
A: My daughter, Nora, is the reason this story exists. When she was two, she approached the world with such wonder and imagination that it made me see everyday moments differently. One day, she wanted to go on a safari, and when she pointed to a light post and said, “Pretend that’s a giraffe,” the spark for this book was born.
Her creativity amazed me, and I wanted to capture that magic while it was still fresh. Two years later, we’re still exploring, still pretending, and still turning our neighborhood into a world full of adventure.
Q: What was the most challenging part of writing your book?
A: The biggest challenge was finding the balance—keeping the story simple enough for young readers while still making sure everything stayed true to real savanna animals.
Q: How does your personal or professional background influence your writing?
A: My writing is shaped by every part of my life—my role as a mom, my background in early childhood education, my love of crafting, and my experience as a business owner. Motherhood gives me constant inspiration, especially through my daughter’s imagination. My early childhood education background helps me understand how young children learn, explore, and connect with stories. Crafting keeps my creativity flowing, and being a business owner has taught me how to turn ideas into something real and meaningful. All of these pieces come together in my writing.
Q: Who do you hope this book will resonate with the most?
A: I hope this book resonates most with children and the grown-ups who love them. I hope it —encourages everyone to put down their screens, step outside, and let their imaginations come alive.
Q: What advice would you give to someone thinking about writing a book based on their real-life experiences?
A: My advice is to write everything down, even if it doesn’t make sense at first. Writing my story about my daughter is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. The memory became preserved forever in print, and that’s something truly priceless.
Q: What’s one thing readers might be surprised to learn about your journey, whether in life or in writing?
A: Readers might be surprised to learn that this book is inspired by a real moment with my daughter. The adventure truly happened—her imagination brought it to life.
Q: Do you have a writing routine or ritual that helps keep you focused?
A: I don’t really have a traditional writing routine—I never sit still long enough for that! I’m constantly jotting down ideas on my phone or shaping them in my head. I also love bouncing ideas off my husband; talking things through with him helps a lot.
Q: Is there a particular quote, motto, or piece of wisdom that guided you through the writing process?
A: I didn’t follow a particular quote, but the mindset of “less is more” really helped me. It reminded me to keep the story simple, clear, and true to a child’s imagination.
Q: Are you working on another book or project you'd like to share?
A: No official project just yet—but trust me, Nora’s imagination hasn’t slowed down! I’ve been taking notes on all our new adventures, and I’m hoping to bring more Magical Binoculars stories to life soon.
Q: What are five books that have had a lasting impact on you?
A:
- The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis
- Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
- Not a Box by Antionette Portis
- I’m a big Agatha Christie fan, so all of her books! And Then There Were None is my favorite.
Learn more about Stephanie Pressler and her new children's book, Nora and Her Magical Binoculars, here. Coming soon spring 2026!