Moonbeam Author Feature: James Esker

Children’s books have a special kind of magic—they spark curiosity, nurture creativity, and inspire a lifelong love of learning. For James Esker, winning a 2024 Moonbeam Children’s Book Award was more than just recognition—it was the realization of a lifelong dream. His debut book, Mr. Roundbottom Science Teacher – Bubble Bonanza, has not only captured the imaginations of young readers but also earned a well-deserved place in the spotlight.

We caught up with Esker to hear about his journey from dream to reality, the inspiration behind his quirky and lovable Mr. Roundbottom, and what it feels like to receive such a meaningful award for his very first book.

A Lifelong Dream Fulfilled

After spending years as an art director creating eye-catching visuals, Esker finally found the perfect opportunity to chase a passion he’d dreamed about for decades: writing and illustrating children’s books.

“When I got the news that I’d won a bronze medal for my very first book, I was overjoyed!” Esker shared. “It gave me the confidence to keep going and continue pursuing my dream of creating more books for kids.”

For Esker, the Moonbeam Awards felt like the perfect fit because of their focus on the importance of children’s literature. Winning the award wasn’t just a happy surprise—it was a meaningful reminder that he was on the right path.

Creating Mr. Roundbottom: Making Science Fun

Esker wanted to make science exciting and approachable for kids, and that’s how Mr. Roundbottom was born—a kind, slightly quirky science teacher whose classroom is full of fun and discovery. Through his adventures, kids can explore the wonders of science while learning that it’s a subject anyone can enjoy.

“I wanted to introduce young children to science, but in a way that felt fun,” Esker said. “It was also really important to me to show that girls can be scientists too.”

With Mr. Roundbottom leading the way, Esker has created stories that inspire curiosity while promoting inclusivity and the joy of learning.

From Sketch to Story: The Writing Process

When it came to creating his first book, Esker took a hands-on approach by starting with sketches. Before writing a single word, he mapped out the entire story with thumbnail sketches. “I knew I wanted the book to be 32 pages and keep the story around 300 words,” he explained. “Once I was happy with the sketches, I wrote the story to match them.”

This visual-first approach helped bring Mr. Roundbottom’s adventures to life in a fun and engaging way for kids.

Of course, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. “I had to create 32 production-ready illustrations and a finished cover,” Esker said with a laugh. To keep everything organized, he taped the completed sketches to the wall behind his desk, turning it into a giant storyboard. This way, he could track his progress and get a feel for how the book would come together.

Lessons Learned & Advice for Aspiring Authors

Esker learned a lot while publishing his first book—and not all of it was about writing or illustrating. “The most difficult part of publishing is the amount of time and effort it takes to promote your book,” he shared. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of creating, but getting your work out into the world takes a whole lot of extra work.

For anyone thinking about writing children’s books, Esker has some simple but powerful advice: “Pursue your dreams. Make them a reality others can share and appreciate. The real reward is knowing that something you created brings joy and education to a child.”

He also encourages fellow creators to consider submitting their work to the Moonbeam Awards. With a focus on quality children’s literature and strong support for authors and illustrators, Esker believes it’s a wonderful way to gain recognition and connect with others in the industry.

What’s Next for Esker

After the success of Bubble Bonanza, Esker continued to build on the Mr. Roundbottom series with Dinosaur Day!, bringing more fun and science to his readers. Now, he’s trying something a little different—his new holiday story, Christmas Cardinal, was released this November.

This book takes readers on a heartwarming journey with five-year-old Joy Noel, who is hoping for her Granny’s recovery on a snowy Christmas Eve. When a beautiful cardinal visits her window on Christmas morning, it brings a special message of hope and love. It’s a tender, feel-good story that reminds us that miracles can happen when we need them most.