Forest Entrepreneurs Series
A chapter book series for age 6-9 that blends economics, creativity and teamwork into business adventure that children can grow with.
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After over a decade in the business world, I realized that the most important part of any venture isn’t just the balance sheet—it’s how the journey shapes a person’s character. I saw firsthand how entrepreneurship builds honesty, resilience, and empathy. At the same time, I’ve always been drawn to gentle, meaningful children’s stories. I began to wonder: Why can’t we weave real-life concepts into stories that are warm, funny, and deeply engaging?
That question became the birth of the Forest Entrepreneurs series. While these books naturally introduce business, economics, and finance, those lessons are woven gently into the adventures of Emery, Mia, and Bonnie. My hope is that children finish these stories not just loving the characters, but feeling inspired by how they helped one another and learned from their mistakes. Ultimately, this series isn’t just about raising future business owners; it’s about helping children build the confidence and curiosity they need for whatever path they choose.
Book 1: The Big Squeeze Juice Hut
Join Mia the monkey, Emery the elephant and Bonnie the bird as they team up to turn a messy watermelon problem into an honest juice business.
Release Date: August 6, 2026 on Amazon
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Join Emery the elephant, Mia the monkey, and Bonnie the bird as they cross rivers, trade fruit, and learn that the best businesses are built with honesty. Whether they are dodging sticky "watermelon accidents" or inventing the perfect "travel vine" lid, these pioneers prove that big ideas can grow in even the smallest hearts.
Complete with vivid illustrations, end-of-chapter fun quizzes, and an online discussion guide & activities, this book is the perfect companion for families and classrooms ready to introduce young readers the basics of economics and entrepreneurship.
Why Parents and Teachers Love it
Introduces essential business and economics concepts in age-appropriate stories.
Builds character through honesty, teamwork, and resilience.
Supports read-aloud and independent early-reader practice.
Pairs with classroom and homeschool discussion guide and activities.
Meet the Forest Entrepreneurs
Mia, curious thinker with big ideas.
Emery, steady builder with a big heart.
Bonnie, a cheerful bird, loves discovering new things.
About the Creators
The Author
Stefanie Cao has spent more than a decade working in finance, consulting, and the internet industries, places where she watched real businesses rise, fall, grow, and reinvent themselves. Those stories of courage, creativity, and problem-solving always fascinated her.
Inspired by this, she decided to bring the “big ideas“ of entrepreneurship into a world small readers can understand: a world of adventurous animals, bright forests, and heartwarming teamwork.
Her 10-year-old son is one of her favorite “editors“, often chiming in with ideas and kid-sized perspectives that make the stories even better.
She lives in Austin, Texas, where she writes, works on her ideas, and cheers on young creators everywhere.
The Illustrator
ZiXiao Chang is an illustrator and visual storyteller seeking to evoke a sense of wonder.
Living in England, Xiao draws on mixed cultural influences. She captures small moments, creating worlds and characters that mirror our best and worst features.
She expresses the silly fun and simple joy in life, letting them unfold into tales about finding ourselves.
She has an MA in Design, and has won a V&A Book Design Award, Best Picture Book of China Award, an Arete picture book Award, and is a finalist of Silent Book Contest Award.
A Heartfelt Thank You to the Troop
Bringing a vision to life is never a solo journey. It takes a dedicated team working shoulder to shoulder to create something truly special. I am incredibly grateful to the team for their hard work, insight, and unwavering passion:
The Editorial Team: Frances G., Nevin M., Jonathan W., P.J. Hoover and SCBWI Northwest Austin Critique Group
The Design Studio: Jennifer K. @ Mount Art Services
Special Acknowledgments: Many thanks to Chris X., Vera Z., Nemo and Jordan S. for their steadfast moral support.
Thank you all for being the true pioneers behind these pages and for helping me do things the right way. Your support has been the "sweet honey drizzle" that made entire project special.