Winning an award for a children’s book is about so much more than just a shiny medal—it’s a wonderful confirmation that the stories we share with young readers truly matter. For Brooke C Thomas, winning the 2023 Silver Medal in the Juvenile Fiction/Early Chapter Books category at the Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards was a dream realized. Her book, Wimps of the Wild, is a heartwarming adventure that teaches kids about bravery, empathy, and kindness—values she hopes will stick with them long after they finish reading.
We had the joy of chatting with Thomas about her journey to becoming an award-winning author, the inspiration behind Wimps of the Wild, and what it means to have her hard work celebrated by the Moonbeam Awards.
A Dream Realized
For Thomas, a Moonbeam Award wasn’t just a professional win but a special, personal moment. “Winning a Moonbeam gave me confidence in the words I had written for young readers,” she shared. “To know that a panel of judges, who read kid-lit, felt that my story had merit and fun, validated my commitment to putting my work out there and promoting it.”
When she found out she won, Thomas’s joy was unmistakable: “When I got the good news, I cried happy tears. I then ran up to tell my family and mostly brag to my kids that their mom had won a medal!”
Inspiration Behind Wimps of the Wild
Wimps of the Wild follows an animal rescue adventure where the main character, despite being afraid of animals, wants to help them in any way possible. Thomas’s inspiration for the story stems from her experiences as a teacher working with students across various settings—urban, suburban, and rural.
“Not all kids think puppies are cute,” she explained. “I wanted to spread the word that it is okay to be afraid, to ask questions, to wonder what if that animal bites me when I try to help it out.”
Thomas also wanted to convey the message that learning about animals can open the door to empathy and kindness. “But if we take the time to learn a bit more about animals, we may find a way to show compassion, kindness, and courage in our own way,” she muses.
The Writing Process: A Balance of Creativity and Collaboration
Thomas’s writing process is deeply influenced by collaboration and a love for the craft. “I try to get some words on the page every day,” she shared. “I work on more than one project at a time and while this can get overwhelming, I find that I am in the mood to write one thing over another and focus on putting my best effort into that story as it comes to me that day.”
Her writing community also plays a pivotal role in her journey. “I work with several brilliant writing partners who help raise my writing up and tear it down when I haven’t gotten it quite right.” These partners offer valuable feedback, shaping Thomas’s work into something readers will love.
Overcoming Obstacles
The road to publishing Wimps of the Wild wasn’t without its challenges. After six months of submissions and multiple rejections, Thomas took matters into her own hands and self-published. “While it was frustrating to know I had written something agents liked but wouldn’t take on as a project, it cemented the idea that I had something kids would want to read so I decided to go for it myself and self-publish,” she explained.
Although the journey wasn’t always easy, Thomas was able to grow by choosing the independent route. “The challenges in this choice have been many but the rewards have been great. And there is just enough interest to help me keep marketing myself and my books—little by little I try to get my books into the hands of kids.”
Messages of Empathy and Courage
At the heart of Wimps of the Wild is a powerful message—in Thomas’ own words: “Empathy is encouraged. Courage is contagious. Kindness is krittercal!” She hopes these values connect with readers and inspire them to be kind and brave in their own lives.
Advice for Aspiring Authors
For those seeking a career in writing, Thomas offers a key piece of advice: “Find your people. Don’t write alone. You ultimately will be making loads of decisions about your work, your path, and your life on your own, but when you can, find people who love your words as much as you do and who invest in them with feedback, support, and craft.”
Thomas encourages aspiring writers to remember that having a supportive community can make a big difference on their path to success.
The Waiting Game
Reflecting on her journey, Thomas shares a truth about the publishing world: “I wish I knew that the wait would feel like forever.” Despite the long process, she encourages others to submit their work to the Moonbeam Awards. “Do it! It has been a great experience for me to read the books that also received Moonbeam Awards as well as use the seal of approval in my marketing of my own work.”
What’s Next for Thomas?
The future is bright for Thomas as she continues to build on the Wimps of the Wild series. “I am currently working on Wimps of the Wild: Book 3: Turtle Turmoil.” She’s also finalizing a fantasy draft about the first fae of the forest and has a manuscript out for submission about a small-mitted ogre looking to contribute to the family business.
Submit Your Work Today
Through her stories, Thomas hopes to inspire young readers and show them that no matter the challenges, they can be brave, kind, and compassionate. Her dedication to creating stories that build empathy makes her a compelling voice in children’s literature.
If you have a story that connects with young readers and reflects your passion, consider submitting it for a chance to be recognized alongside other talented authors in the Moonbeam Awards. Our judges can’t wait to dive into your hard work!
