About Us
The Story Behind Velvet Pumpkin Books
Velvet Pumpkin Books began as a shared belief in the power of stories—stories that comfort, challenge, and connect us across generations. At its heart, Velvet Pumpkin Books is a creative collaboration rooted in family, trust, and imagination. Our work blends storytelling, art, and purpose to create books that feel personal, meaningful, and lasting. We believe stories should be inclusive, thoughtful, and full of heart—whether written for children discovering the world or adults reflecting on it. What began as a small creative mother-in-law/daughter-in-law partnership has grown into a storytelling home where books are shaped with intention, care, and collaboration. Every project is guided by a shared love of language, art, and the belief that stories can help us understand ourselves and one another more deeply.
Velvet Pumpkin Books is not just about publishing stories—it’s about creating space for them to matter.
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Language & Learning
Our books are written for readers ages 0–99. We believe stories should grow with their audience. Many of our children’s titles include gentle vocabulary building, discussion prompts, and opportunities for shared reading, making them ideal for families and classrooms alike. We have Hidden Histories with companion YA Rewoven Fairy Tales so you can discuss the topics together.
Representation Matters
At Velvet Pumpkin Books, inclusivity is not an afterthought — it is foundational. While we proudly recommend and celebrate books by queer and BIPOC authors, we also strive to ensure that every child can see themselves reflected in our characters, stories, and worlds.
Joy Over Conflict
We intentionally minimize fear-based storytelling and focus instead on joy, curiosity, and emotional growth. While challenges exist in our stories, they are met with kindness, resilience, and community — because children deserve narratives that affirm who they are. And the stories with true history that are difficult to read about, and that we cannot look away from, there are always resources for readers, families, and school staff.
Sara Madden
“Magic is believing in yourself. If you can do that, you can make anything happen."
- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
My Story
I grew up on California’s Central Coast, raised on stories, imagination, and the occasional donut from my grandparents’ bakery. Dyslexic from a young age, I found refuge in storytelling and have been writing ever since—beginning with my first story at age six. Now as a full-time writer, anthropologist, historian, archaeologist, and lifelong collector of stories, my work explores memory, identity, and the quiet lives often overlooked by history. I live in Utah with my family, a collection of vintage typewriters, far too many pumpkins, and an unwavering belief in the power of imagination.
Hayley Helsten
“I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn't say any other way - things I had no words for." - Georgia O'Keefe
My Story
I grew up shy but endlessly creative, expressing myself through art, dance, and imagination long before I found my voice. My illustrations are deeply personal, inspired by family, nature, animals, and the magic of childhood. Now an artist, mother, and collaborator, I bring warmth and emotional depth to every project. My art reflects my belief that creativity is a form of connection — and that even the quietest voices deserve to be seen. I live in Utah with my family and an endless supply of ribbons and inspiration.