This book came to life through the love, laughter, and encouragement of so many wonderful people.

To Austin and Tyson, who taught me to trust their way of learning.

To the clowder who filled our home with joy—your “palm’s natural oils” are forever part of these original pages.

To the children and the “J crew,” whose imaginations spark these stories and to my family and friends, for believing in this tale before it existed.

This idea and work was created across several traditional First Nation territories: on the lands of the Mississaugas of the Credit, Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee, and Huron-Wendat peoples of Scarborough, Oakville and Thunder Bay. First Nation lands distinctly shaped by the Dish With One Spoon Wampum Belt Covenant; and the Fort William First Nation, signatories to the Robinson-Superior Treaty of 1850.

To Jesus Christ, my saviour from whom every grace and gift comes. To my fellow educators and all readers who love a good story—you are why I write.

And to anyone who picks up this book: may you always find adventure, mischief, and magic in its pages.

This book could not have come to life without the love, laughter, and encouragement of so many wonderful people.

To Austin and Tyson who taught me to trust their way of learning .. on their terms. 

To the children who remind me every day how big small imaginations can be—thank you for inspiring these pages.

To my family and friends, for cheering me on and believing in the story even before it was written.

To my fellow educators and all the readers, young and old, who know the joy of a good story—you are the reason I write.

And finally, to every child who picks up this book: may you always find adventure, mischief, and magic in the turning of a page.