I've always been fascinated by people.

What shapes us.
What inspires us.
What helps us feel seen, valued, and connected.

Throughout my life, that curiosity has taken many forms. As an artist, storyteller, and creative strategist, I've spent decades exploring the ways identity, imagination, and human connection influence how we move through the world.

But some of life's most important lessons begin long before adulthood.

They begin in childhood.

They begin the first time a child wonders:

Who am I?

What makes me special?

Who might I become?

What does it mean to love myself and others?

Those questions inspired the creation of Department of Butterflies and The Exploring Me Series.

Through storytelling and art, my hope is to help children discover the confidence that comes from knowing themselves, the courage to embrace their uniqueness, and the empathy that allows them to connect more deeply with others.

Because when children learn to trust themselves, believe in their own possibilities, and lead with kindness, they carry those lessons with them for a lifetime.

While these books are written for children, they are often enjoyed by the adults reading alongside them. After all, the journey of self-discovery doesn't end in childhood. Many of us spend our lives returning to the same questions with new understanding.

My greatest hope is that these stories create meaningful moments of connection between children and the adults who love them—and serve as gentle reminders that each of us has something unique and beautiful to offer the world.

Thank you for being here.

With love,

Apple P. Via
Author & Illustrator