MRG is Here!

Big news: Mia’s new children’s book MRG: Dream Big Adventure is officially out!

If this is the first time you’re hearing about MRG or Mia, let me get you up to speed — because both of them have a very special place in my journey as a children’s author.

Meet Mia Balventy and MRG

Mia Balventy is the founder of Kistemo, a publishing house that focuses on creating fun, meaningful, parent-approved entertainment for kids. (She's also the amazing publisher behind my debut children’s book Art Adventurers: Stupendous Screen Screw-Up.)

We first met through a writer’s group, and what started as a few chats quickly turned into a real collaboration. Almost a year ago, we began working together on what was originally going to be a co-authored book featuring MRG himself.

We brainstormed, we plotted, we wrote together and separately... but as the stories evolved, we realized something important: each character had their own voice, their own story to tell. So instead of one shared book, we each set off to write our own.

A Turning Point for Me

Mia’s book is now out in the world, beautifully illustrated and ready to be loved by readers. Mine is still in the illustration stage — but Art Adventurers wouldn’t even exist if it weren’t for Mia and MRG.

You see, writing a children’s book was something I’d always thought I’d do eventually. I’ve been surrounded by kids my whole life, from siblings to nannying, so it felt like a natural fit. But I let fear and self-doubt hold me back. Something I do more often than I'd like to admit.

Then along came MRG.

Mia’s passion for this character — her belief that he belonged on bookshelves, in classrooms, and in the hands of kids everywhere — pushed me out of my comfort zone. Without her, I might still be sitting on this dream.

Who Is MRG?

MRG (pronounced Mister G) is a nickname for Grand — his real name. And true to that name, he’s a pretty grand character:

He’s the King of Art — always drawing, always creating

He uses art to explore and express his feelings

He’s a natural leader who loves helping others

He’s curious, compassionate, and endlessly imaginative

And MRG: Dream Big Adventure is exactly what it sounds like:

A journey through the power of imagination, self-expression, and believing in yourself.

Through MRG’s adventures, kids learn how to:

- Use their imaginations to explore new ideas

- Express themselves through art

- Dream big

- And most importantly — believe in what makes them unique

Why I’m Cheering for This Book

Even though Mia and I wrote different stories, I’ll always feel connected to MRG. Without him (and without her), I don’t know how long it would have taken me to start writing Art Adventurers. This book is so much more than a fun read — it’s part of a creative journey that changed mine.

So please check it out!

If you’re raising a little dreamer, artist, or adventurer, MRG: Dream Big Adventure might just be their new favorite book.

Grab your copy here

And give Kistemo some love on Instagram.

P.S. If you're curious how Art Adventurers is coming along, stay tuned — I’ll be sharing more behind-the-scenes updates soon. You can also sign up for the newsletter here to get the latest news (plus freebies and fun printables!).

And if you're a fan of books that celebrate art, imagination, and big feelings — trust me, you’re going to love MRG.

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