Children's Author Cindy J. Vanous

Award-Winning Children’s Author Cindy J. Vanous

Join Cindy as she invites you into a vintage-inspired story world where animals have feelings, small moments matter, and young hearts discover courage, love, and belonging. Her heartwarming children’s stories explore themes of kindness and belonging for children, blending gentle emotion with timeless charm to create books children return to again and again. Her work has been recognized by Kirkus Reviews and the Mom’s Choice Awards®.

Based in the Dallas–Fort Worth area of Texas, Cindy J. Vanous is a children’s picture book author who shares her stories with schools, libraries, bookstores, and families across the country, creating meaningful experiences for early readers and storytime audiences.

Asher's Christmas Adventure Children's Book

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

Purchase

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

Purchase

Available wherever books are sold.

Available Now:
Maddie - A Little Ghost with a Secret

Maddie A Little Ghost with a Secret_edit

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

Purchase

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, Ziva the Great was also 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

Purchase

Available wherever books are sold.

Available Now:
Brave Belle Saves The Day

Brave Belle Saves the Day cover page 9.21.25.jpg

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

Purchase

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.