About the Author
Sarah Jane Lake-Conklin, originally from St. John’s, Newfoundland, now lives in Fall River, Nova Scotia. She is an artist and children’s book author. Her debut picture book with Monster House Publishing, What’s in Flora’s Shoebox? (2023), received positive reviews from Quill & Quire, Canadian Review of Materials, and Atlantic Books Today, and was selected for the Canadian Children’s Book Centre’s Best Books for Kids & Teens Spring 2023 list.
Her follow-up title, What’s in Alanna’s Secret Sauce? (Monster House Publishing, 2024), also earned positive reviews from Quill & Quire and Atlantic Books Today and was included in the CCBC’s Best Books for Kids & Teens selection.
Sarah Jane also wrote and illustrated the self-published picture book Nesting Grounds, which was featured in the Canadian Children’s Book Centre’s Best Books for Kids & Teens Spring 2020 edition. Thank you for taking the time to review the work of Sarah Jane Conklin.
Writing Focus
Sarah Jane writes original children’s stories created for illustrated picture books and early readers. Her work is grounded in warmth, curiosity, and emotional awareness, often drawing inspiration from nature, kindness, imagination, and the small moments that help young readers feel seen and understood.
Primary formats include:
- Picture books
- Early reader / read-aloud stories
About the Work
This private page offers selected children’s book manuscripts for editorial and publishing consideration. All materials shared here are intended for agents, editors, and publishers only.
Available Manuscripts
Below you will find a selection of manuscripts currently available for consideration.
The Miracle of the Daffodils
Each April, whimsical Miss Forsythia secretly “plants” her handcrafted daffodils by moonlight, creating a beloved neighborhood miracle that celebrates spring, even though real flowers cannot grow in her shaded yard. When she and her granddaughter Poppy befriend their withdrawn neighbor, Mr. Maples—a lonely woodcarver still grieving his wife—they discover that her glowing daffodils stir something long-dormant inside him. Small acts of kindness begin to flow between them: scraps of wood become carved window boxes, stored daffodil bulbs find a sunny new home, and neglected gardens slowly awaken. By the following spring, both homes burst with real blooms and renewed hope, proving that when people share time, creativity, and care, they don’t just grow flowers—they grow friendships, healing, and true miracles.
The Art of Show and Tell
When Joyce is tasked with bringing something in for her class’s Show and Tell, she dreams of impressing her friends with grand treasures—rare flowers, secret jewels, even her prize hen! But when her ideas fall flat and discouragement sets in, Joyce discovers that the most meaningful things are already all around her. With a spark of imagination and a little stitching, she creates a one-of-a-kind jacket covered with her “smile-makers”—a wearable story of who she is.
The Art of Show and Tell is perfect for readers aged 5–8. The story is ideal for classroom activities, SEL curricula, and family read-alouds. The Art of Show and Tell has a 620-word count. Readers’ Favorite five star review states: “This book was perfectly designed and written to satisfy the curiosity of kids, ranging from the colorful pages, the vivid images, the simplicity of Sarah Jane Conklin’s writing, and the overall positive lesson it contains.”
Stop Feeding the Trolls
In Stop Feeding the Trolls! Paige starts a book exchange and library to encourage the townspeople to read. The trolls control the people and thrive off the townspeople’s fears and doubts. Despite the intimidation of the trolls, Paige convinces the townspeople that knowledge is the true power. It is a picture book for ages 7-9. Wordcount 1800.
On the surface, Stop Feeding the Trolls! is about a strong and determined young girl standing up for her belief in the importance of reading books. At its core, this timely book addresses the dangers of social media in society. This book does bring its citizens together.
Stop Feeding the Trolls! is highly visual with its trolls and humour. Put in the hands of the right illustrator, this book will become a classic. You will see in the manuscript, that I've added illustrator notes.
The Magic Marbles
The Magic Marbles is a whimsical, rhyming picture book about rediscovering wonder in the ordinary and learning that “old” doesn’t mean worthless. When Leo visits a mysterious oddity shop hoping to trade his dusty, forgotten marbles for something flashier, he’s disappointed to receive… more marbles. But when a single cat’s-eye marble rolls out the door and leads Leo on an unexpected chase, he’s swept into a playful adventure that winds through cobblestone streets, into a cat-loving neighbor’s home, and ultimately into a joyful, community-wide marble game.
Christmas Eve Takes Flight
Set in 1821 Norway, the story follows Jakob, a young elf who helps a kind man named Nicholas repair his sleigh before Christmas Eve. When a snowstorm damages the runners, Jakob, a glowing fairy named Lumi, and a brave village girl named Freya must work together to save the journey. With courage, kindness, and belief in one another, they create the miracle that lifts Nicholas’s sleigh into the sky for the very first time—beginning the legend we know today.
The Snorbler
The Snorbler is a 900–1,000 word rhyming picture book about Seymour, a grumpy, beige-loving creature who believes sameness equals safety—until a factory accident turns all the birds green and his colorful best friend disappears into the crowd. Forced to confront his fear of difference, Seymour discovers that individuality isn’t something to fix—it’s something to celebrate. With playful language, whimsical world-building, and heart-forward humor, The Snorbler delivers a joyful message about self-expression, belonging, and the beauty of being seen.
Look at those Dandelions!
Look at those Dandelions addresses the theme of conflict resolution—the child protagonist, Beatrice, comes up with creative plans to prevent dandelion seeds in her yard from spreading to her neighbour’s yard. With an eventual acceptance of their differences, the neighbours come to appreciate their uniqueness’s. Word count:600, Read aloud story for ages 6-9.
Frederick and Frog Pond
Frederick and Frog Pond (approx. 1,200 words), is written for readers ages 5–9, this humorous and heartwarming story follows eight-year-old Frederick—a budding environmental biologist—who discovers that every creature, from frogs to turtles to cats, thinks his shoes make the perfect home.
Frederick spends his summer exploring Frog Pond, where his knack for curiosity and compassion continually lands him in funny predicaments: frogs in his boots, turtles in his sneakers, and even a bird nesting in his flip-flops. Through his misadventures, Frederick learns the importance of empathy, creative problem-solving, and protecting wildlife habitats.
Inspired by the belief that “all living creatures deserve a safe place to live,” Frederick and Frog Pond gently weaves environmental stewardship into a playful, read-aloud narrative filled with repetition, rhythm, and visual humor. The story encourages respect for nature while celebrating the imagination and resourcefulness of children.
Don’t Touch the Tent
Don’t Touch the Tent is a humorous, rhyming picture book about curiosity, self-control, and the irresistible pull of doing the very thing you’re told not to do. When Ronnie heads out on a family camping trip filled with s’mores, games, and starry skies, a sudden rainstorm traps everyone inside their tent—and introduces one enormous temptation: a sagging, water-filled bulge in the canvas wall. Despite repeated warnings from his parents, Ronnie can’t stop wondering what would happen if he just touched it… once.
My House, My Rules
Nine-year-old Trudy Reed lives with her teenage siblings above her family’s used bookstore. Between tap-dancing brothers and blender-blasting sisters, Trudy longs for quiet. A birthday treehouse promises just that—until mysterious books start appearing, inviting a parade of unexpected visitors: a tap-dancing crow, a furniture-chewing squirrel, a knitting spider, and more. Suddenly, Trudy’s enchanting retreat becomes a place of laughter, learning, and reading.
My House My Rules is a cozy, imaginative tale that speaks to introverted kids, book lovers, and anyone who’s ever tried to escape the noise, only to find that friendship and fun can sneak in through the cracks (or the hatch). The story combines humour, heart, and a gentle celebration of reading and family life. Word count is 800, aimed at 6-9 years.
Available Series Manuscripts
Below you will find a selection of manuscripts for story series currently available for consideration.
Bridge
Bridge, short for Bridgette, is ten years old. She lives with her dad at the Saphire Inn, a residence for seniors. Bridge was nicknamed such because of her role at the Saphire. Bridge nego>ates with her dad — a penny-pinching killjoy — on behalf of the residents. Bridge manages to bridge the gap between genera>ons. The rhyming stories follow Bridge and her hilarious escapades with the residents. A cross between Eloise and Anne Shirley, Bridge will win your heart. She is playful, unpredictable and wise beyond her years. The word count for each manuscript is about 800-1200 words. The intended age group is 6-10. However, I also see a market for these rhyming stories in senior residences and as possible skits for educational and theatrical schools.
Book 1 - Bridge and the Tea Fiasco
Book 2 - Bridge and Riddles the Cat
Book 3 - Bridge and the Case of the Missing Teeth
Book 4 - Bridge and the Tough Old Bird Ball
Busy Bea
The Bea Series is a contemporary children’s fiction series for ages 6–9 that pairs everyday childhood challenges with real-world animal awareness. Each story follows Bea, an empathetic eight-year-old whose ordinary school days—friendship hiccups, classroom projects, moments of doubt, and small acts of bravery—unexpectedly connect her to endangered or threatened animals and the people working to protect them. From polar bears and reindeer to piping plovers, animal sanctuaries, and the SPCA, Bea discovers that compassion isn’t something reserved for grown-ups—it’s something kids can practice every day.
Book 1 - Look at Those Dandelions
Book 2 - Busy Bea and the Crow
Book 4 - Busy Bea and the Polar Bears
Book 6 - Busy Bea, A Rare Bird
Book 7 - Busy Bea Learns Something New
Illustration & Collaboration Notes
Sarah Jane writes the full manuscript text and envisions her books as collaborative projects. She is open to working with illustrators selected by the publisher or through established creative teams and values illustration as an integral storytelling partner.
Rights & Availability
Unless otherwise noted, all manuscripts presented on this page are currently available. Rights status and additional details are available upon request.