Q&A with Malia Grace

 

 

Malia Grace is the author of the new children's picture book Cody's Whisper. She also has written the book Sacred Self. 

 

Q: What inspired you to write Cody’s Whisper, and how did you create your character Cody?

 

A: For years, I dreamed of writing a children’s book. But during a season of deep inner healing, I felt called to first write a book for women like me, women who pushed themselves, quieted their voices, and eventually burned out. Once Sacred Self was complete, I knew it was time to write something for children and for the inner child within us all.

 

Cody’s Whisper was born from a desire to remind children (and their parents) to stay connected to nature and to the quiet wisdom within. I thought of my dad, a Vietnam veteran who suffered from PTSD. He was his most peaceful self when we were camping in nature. He came from Native American ancestry and felt a connection to wolves and coyotes. That connection inspired me to make Cody a coyote pup.

 

Cody also carries pieces of my sweet nephew and stepson, who sometimes struggle in noisy, overstimulating classrooms. Through Cody, I wanted to show that softness is not weakness, that quiet kids have deep wisdom and strength.

 

Cody’s journey is ultimately about remembering that we are all connected to something greater than ourselves: the Earth, our emotions, and the peace we can find when we truly listen.

 

Q: What do you think Lauren Elise Reeves’s illustrations add to the book?

 

A: Lauren took my vision and brought it to life in a way I could only dream of. Her illustrations are not only beautiful, they’re emotionally rich, full of subtle detail, and infused with a gentle magic that draws readers into Cody’s world. Every page invites children (and adults) to slow down and feel something.

 

Her art complements the story perfectly, adding warmth, depth, and a sense of wonder. I feel incredibly grateful to have found her and honored to have her talent woven into Cody’s Whisper.

 

Q: How did you research the book, and what did you learn that especially surprised you?

 

A: Much of my research was heart-led, rooted in curiosity and reverence for the natural world. I’ve been learning from Indigenous Wisdom keepers whose teachings are deeply beautiful as they emphasize honoring, respecting, and protecting the Earth. Their way of seeing nature as a teacher resonated with me, and I knew I wanted the spirit of the sun, moon, and tree to be part of Cody’s journey.

 

I also explored the traits and symbolism of different forest animals and was surprised by how much emotional and spiritual wisdom they each carry. For example, the deer’s gentle strength or the fox’s clever adaptability felt like natural metaphors for what children face in the modern world.

 

I learned fascinating facts about the moon, sun, trees, and other natural elements and the more I learned, the more I realized how much nature has to teach us about resilience, growth, and peace.

 

Q: What do you hope kids take away from the story?

 

A: I hope Cody’s Whisper reminds children that it’s okay to be quiet, sensitive, or different and that who they are is not only enough, but beautifully needed in this world. I want them to know that their feelings are valid, their inner voice matters, and that nature can be a comforting friend and wise teacher when things feel overwhelming.

 

More than anything, I hope they walk away with a sense of calm, courage, and connection to themselves, to the Earth, and to the people who love them. I want them to know that being soft is a strength, and that even in a loud world, their whisper has power.

 

Q: What are you working on now?

 

A: Right now, I’m focused on expanding Cody’s Whisper into a broader movement called The Whisper Way, a space for children, parents, and educators to reconnect with nature, emotional awareness, and the quiet wisdom within.

 

I’m creating companion resources like downloadable lessons, SEL activity guides, and a coloring book to help bring the story’s messages into classrooms and homes.

 

I'm also developing tools for parents and teachers, like the Whisper Spirit Personality Quiz, to spark meaningful conversations and support emotional growth. And I’m also working on my first companion product to the book, a soft heart-shaped pillow, designed to comfort children and remind them of Cody’s message: that their light matters.

 

Q: Anything else we should know?

 

A: Yes! In addition to the book, I’ve created a collection of supporting resources to help bring Cody’s Whisper into real-life learning moments. On my website, www.the-whisper-way.com, you’ll find a free Whisper Spirit Personality Quiz, downloadable lessons, mindfulness tools, and updates on upcoming products.

 

I’ve also launched a Teachers Pay Teachers store featuring SEL-aligned lessons inspired by the story, including Indigenous Earth wisdom, emotional regulation, and nature connection activities. My hope is to support educators and parents in nurturing inner peace, resilience, and emotional growth, one gentle whisper at a time.

 

--Interview with Deborah Kalb. This Q&A was conducted in partnership with Malia Grace. Enter this giveaway for the chance to win a copy of Cody’s Whisper in the format of your choice—Kindle, paperback, or hardcover! One lucky grand prize winner will receive a hardcover edition personally signed by author Malia Grace.