Children's Author Cindy J. Vanous
Award-Winning Children’s Author Cindy J. Vanous
Cindy writes vintage-inspired children’s stories where animals have feelings, small moments matter, and young hearts find courage, love, and belonging.
Her books tend to live in the small, meaningful moments, where kindness shows up in simple ways, and where even hard moments can lead to something new.
Her work has been recognized by Kirkus Reviews and the Mom’s Choice Awards®, and she was featured in a Kirkus Reviews Indie magazine author interview in the April 15, 2026 issue. Based in the Dallas–Fort Worth area, Cindy shares her stories with schools, libraries, bookstores, and families across the country.
Cindy's Children's Books
Available now:
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
Available wherever books are sold.
Available Now:
Ziva the Great
Ziva the Great is a heartwarming children's picture book 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 vintage-inspired children's story explores themes of healing, love, and emotional safety, showing two hearts can find each other when they need it most.
Recipient of a Kirkus Reviews “Get It” recommendation, 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
Available wherever books are sold.
Available 2027:
The Ghost Who Collected Dreams
A gentle ghost named Elias collects the laughter, dreams, and bedtime stories of the children in his town, until one night they disappear. As he searches for answers, he discovers that some things are too special to keep all to himself.
Key Themes:
Sharing, Empathy, Emotional Growth, Belonging
Available wherever books are sold.
Available Now:
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
Available wherever books are sold.
Available Now:
Brave Belle Saves The Day
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 vintage-inspired children's book celebrates bravery and the power of one small dog’s big spirit.
Key Themes:
Bravery • Problem Solving • Loyalty • Confidence • Helping Others
Available wherever books are sold.
Available Now:
Maddie - A Little Ghost with a Secret
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 loving 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
Available wherever books are sold.
Available June 1st:
Belle's First Halloween
In Belle's First Halloween, when Halloween arrives, everything feels different to Belle—strange decorations, unusual smells, and unfamiliar visitors at the door. As she tries to make sense of it all, Belle discovers that sometimes new experiences aren’t quite as scary as they seem.
Key Themes:
Bravery • Curiosity • Confidence, Overcoming Fear, New Experiences
Available wherever books are sold.
About the Author
Cindy J. Vanous
Cindy J. Vanous is a Texas-based children’s picture book author known for blending emotional honesty, vintage charm, and timeless themes of courage and belonging. Her heartwarming children’s stories have 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 creates vintage-inspired children’s books that help young readers feel seen, understood, and deeply loved. Her stories often explore kindness and belonging for children, brought to life through classic hand-drawn illustrations that echo the magic of the golden age of picture books.
With a growing catalog of children’s books for early readers and storytime, Cindy continues to reach audiences 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.
Recent Features & Recognition
