Karen Charles has two businesses—a global company that trains international teachers to teach American English and an Airbnb on a beautiful bay in Washington State, where she currently resides with her husband.
Visit her website at www.weaveofsuspense.com.
Connect with her on X, Facebook and LinkedIn.
Thanks for this interview, Karen. I've always wanted to write children's books. When did you determine that writing for children was for you?
I didn’t start out thinking, I want to be an author. I started as a teacher and a listener. For years, I worked with children during moments of real upheaval, social unrest, trauma, fear, and uncertainty. I saw how deeply children absorb what’s happening around them, even when they don’t have the words to express it.
Writing became a way for me to make sense of those experiences and to offer stories that could help others do the same. Whether I’m writing for adults or children, my goal has always been to tell stories that heal, that open conversations, and that remind us of our shared humanity. Evan’s Gift came from that same place, wanting to reach children early, before the world hardens them.
What was the inspiration behind your children's book, Evan’s Gift?
Evan’s Gift is based on my experience as a kid earning my own bike, growing up in Africa.
The idea came from watching how children respond to kindness, both when they receive it and when they give it. I’ve seen classrooms change because of one child’s gentle act or quiet courage.
Evan’s Gift grew out of the belief that kindness is not small or passive; it’s powerful. I wanted to create a story that shows children that they already have something meaningful to offer the world, simply by noticing others and choosing compassion. Evan doesn’t have superpowers; his “gift” is something every child can access, and that was very important to me.
How do you get into the mind of a child to create a fun reading experience? Are you around kids? Are you a kid at heart?
Children are incredibly perceptive, and they can sense when something isn’t genuine. Writing for them requires clarity, emotional truth, and restraint. You have to say more with fewer words and trust the reader to feel the meaning without overexplaining it. That balance, being simple without being simplistic, is both the challenge and the joy of writing for children.
Yes, I was around kids as a teacher for over thirty years. Now, I am still a child at heart, learning, full of fun, adventure, awe, and wonder at the world around us.
What was your favorite book as a child?
I loved reading Enid Blyton’s mystery children’s series about The Famous Five.
What kind of advice would you give to writers who would like to write children's books?
I pay close attention to who a story is truly for. For children’s books, that means educators, parents, counselors, and librarians, not just readers, but the adults guiding them. My advice to writers is to listen carefully, read widely in your genre, and don’t be afraid to reach out to communities that already care about the themes you’re writing about.
What are your goals for the future? More children's books?
I’m continuing to explore stories that help children navigate big feelings, stories about belonging, courage, and understanding others who may seem different at first, hopefully another Evan story about his adventures in Africa. I’m also always writing thrillers for adults, weaving true experiences into fiction that ask deeper questions about human behavior.
When Evan trades his dream of a new bike for compassion, he discovers the greatest gift of all—helping others. Perfect for classrooms and families, “Evan’s Gift” celebrates empathy, courage, and the beauty of giving in a warm, uplifting story about generosity and the power of choosing kindness.
╰┈➤Book Details
- Genre:children’s fiction
- Sub-genre:Social Themes / Friendship
- Age Range (years):5 – 12
- Language:English
- Pages: 48
- Paperback ISBN:9798317824341
- Publisher: BookBaby
Ethan’s Gift is available at BookBaby.
╰┈➤Here’s What Readers Have To Say!
“What a lovely story! This is a life lesson wrapped in an engaging and beautifully illustrated package geared toward readers 5 – 12. Charles opted to provide an abundance of sensory details for her readers, so the younger ages might need assistance from a parent if they are not fluent readers. Middle-grade readers ages 8 – 12 will appreciate the additional details. Knowing this is inspired by a true story makes it extra special. With stunning artwork by Roger Feldman, Evan’s Gift is sure to delight readers with its touching story and expressive illustrations.” – The Children’s and Teens’ Book Connection
“Even’s Gift is a story that your youngster is able to relate to the characters. The message will stick with your youngster for a longtime after they’ve read the story. This story can be used by teachers or parents to help open conversations. The words are perfect for emerging and middle grade readers. Kids and adults will love this book. I love the discussion questions and activity guide at the end of the book. If you are looking for a book with the following themes then this would be a good book to read” – The Blended Blog
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