Bright Side Stories

Events & School Visits

Bringing stories to life in classrooms, libraries, and communities

Upcoming Events

Come say hi at an upcoming event!

Phelps Maple Syrup Festival

Saturday, April 11, 2026Saturday, April 11, 2026Phelps School
Vendor Fair

This is the 15th annual maple syrup festival in the maple syrup making capital of the world.

School Visits

Inspiring young readers and writers, one classroom at a time

School visits, library story hours, and live vendor events fill Cindy with such joy! When visiting schools, she brings lots of books to sign and give away. Her ukulele comes along just in case a tune seems appropriate — especially to get the attention of younger kids.

K–3rd Grade

Interactive read-alouds with singing and engaging young listeners with stories about nature, family, and curiosity.

4th–5th Grade

Conversations about the writing process, where stories come from, and what it's like to be a published author.

Middle School

Focus shifts to encouraging students not just to read but to write and journal. Cindy shares non-published pieces and poetry to start the thought process and make them see the excitement of creative writing. Students ask questions and Cindy sometimes reads and discusses their own stories.

No author fee — ever!

Administrators love having Cindy visit because she never charges an author fee. It's all about the kids.

Upcoming Books

New stories on the way!

Coming Summer 2026

The Bees of Sweet Pea Farm — The Sequel

The story is completely written and edited. Jeanne Styczinski is sketching and will work her collage magic again. Honey is back as the main character with Uncle G still beekeeping alongside her in the Upper Peninsula. Honey's mission: make kids aware of why bee colonies are in trouble and what they can do to help.

Coming Fall 2026

Today I Am An Elephant

A wild little ride! One morning, a child wakes up feeling “elephanty” and decides that he is an elephant. What would that look like? Illustrated by 14-year-old granddaughter Shea. The back matter is filled with information about African elephants.

Cindy has also been asked by photographer and author Ken Wiele to write the introduction for his upcoming new book. Stay tuned for more details!