Children's Author Cindy J. Vanous

Award-Winning Children’s Author Cindy J. Vanous

Join Cindy as she invites you into a vintage-inspired story world where animals have feelings, small moments matter, and young hearts discover courage, love, and belonging. Her heartfelt picture books blend gentle emotion with timeless charm to create stories children return to again and again. Her work has been recognized by Kirkus Reviews and the Mom’s Choice Awards®.

Based in the Dallas–Fort Worth area of Texas, Cindy shares her stories with schools, libraries, bookstores, and families across the country.

Asher's Christmas Adventure Children's Book

Cindy's Children's Books

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Asher's Christmas Adventure

Asher's Christmas Adventure invites you to experience a range of emotions as Asher the dog discovers he hasn't been invited to his family's holiday gathering at Grandma Helen's house. Being left behind, he embarks on an adventure within his own neighborhood.

Key Themes:
Belonging • Family Love • Resilience • Holiday Kindness • Emotional Courage

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Asher's
Christmas Wish

Asher’s Christmas Wish is the heartwarming tale of a lost puppy who makes a wish for the perfect family, and Santa hears it. Taken to the North Pole, Asher is cared for by Mrs. Claus and two kind-hearted elves as he waits for his wish to come true.

Recipient of a Kirkus Reviews “Get It” recommendation.

Key Themes:
Belonging • Hope • Second Chances • Kindness • Holiday Magic

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Maddie - A Little Ghost with a Secret

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Maddie, a friendly spirit, seeks her unique superpower among other ghosts. She learns each power is personal, and her passion, tied to fond memories with her mom, brings fond memories to her life. Ultimately, Maddie discovers her true talent, deepening her family bond and showing that the most magical gifts come from the heart.

Key Themes:
Self-Discovery • Embracing Differences • Family Connection • Confidence • Kindness

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Ziva the Great

Ziva the Great is a tender story about a cautious Maine Coon cat and a quiet little girl whose unexpected friendship helps them both learn to trust again. With gentle emotion and soft warmth, this story celebrates healing, love, and the quiet ways two hearts can find each other when they need it most.

Recipient of a Kirkus Reviews “Get It” recommendation, Ziva the Great was also selected as a Kirkus Editor’s Pick and featured in the January 15 issue of Kirkus Reviews.

Supports Social-Emotional Learning:
Trust • Emotional Safety • Compassion

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Brave Belle Saves The Day

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Brave Belle Saves The Day tells the story of a tiny pup with a huge heart. When trouble strikes, Belle leaps into action, proving that courage comes in all sizes. Full of warmth, humor, and family love, this picture book celebrates bravery and the power of one small dog’s big spirit.

Key Themes:
Bravery • Problem Solving • Loyalty • Confidence • Helping Others

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About the Author

Cindy J. Vanous

Cindy J. Vanous is a Texas children’s author known for blending emotional honesty, vintage charm, and timeless themes of courage and belonging. Her work has earned widespread praise, with Kirkus Reviews calling Asher’s Christmas Wish “a sweet holiday tale that emphasizes love and acceptance all year long” and Maddie – A Little Ghost with a Secret “a charming and uplifting story that celebrates kindness, family, and finding one’s unique strength.”

Cindy has received the distinguished Kirkus Reviews “Get It” recommendation for both Asher’s Christmas Wish and Ziva the Great, with Ziva the Great also selected as a Kirkus Editors’ Pick in the January 2026 issue. Her work has additionally been honored with a Mom’s Choice Awards® Gold – Level One designation, recognizing excellence in family-friendly storytelling.

Inspired by real animals, real people, and the emotional heartbeat of small-town Texas life, Cindy writes stories that help children feel seen, understood, and deeply loved. Her books feature classic hand-drawn illustrations that echo the magic of the golden age of picture books, honoring her love of vintage storytelling and timeless artistic tradition.

With a growing catalog of heartfelt children’s stories, Cindy continues to reach readers through schools, libraries, independent bookstores, and community events across the country. Her mission remains simple and steadfast: to write stories that touch the heart and stay there.