Everyone has a story to tell, and some people need help telling it. Far too many stories go unpublished and unshared. We're working to help change that.
Our mission is to help authors bring their stories to light with professional editing, design, and good exposure to the marketplace. Through Belle Isle Books, we offer personal guidance and accessibility, encourage authors to actively participate in the publishing process, and produce high-quality books that exhibit editorial quality of the highest caliber.
We treat the publishing process as a partnership because when the book comes off the press, we want our authors to be confident and successful.
Our mission is to help authors bring their stories to light with professional editing, design, and good exposure to the marketplace. Through Belle Isle Books, we offer personal guidance and accessibility, encourage authors to actively participate in the publishing process, and produce high-quality books that exhibit editorial quality of the highest caliber.
We treat the publishing process as a partnership because when the book comes off the press, we want our authors to be confident and successful.
New and Upcoming Releases
The Three Little Sprigs
ON SALE 7/6/22
written by Terry Ann Marsh
illustrated by Lintang Pandu Pratiwi
In the Woodland Kingdom, it is time for all the young ferns and flowers to strike out on their own and build their grown-up homes. Three sisters, Sassy, Starling, and Serena Fern, can’t wait to build their new homes. But they must be careful—if they don’t build them strong enough, Lonely Wind and Stinging Rain could knock them down!
To help them in their quest, the sisters may ask Night Wind to send them each a Helper. Sassy and Starling Fern know who to ask for, but Serena is unsure. Will Serena be able to choose the right Helper in time? Or will Lonely Wind and Stinging Rain wash her new home away?
In this imaginative retelling of The Three Little Pigs, children will enjoy entering a world full of surprises and lively characters, and take with them a gentle reminder about the importance of making good choices.
written by Terry Ann Marsh
illustrated by Lintang Pandu Pratiwi
In the Woodland Kingdom, it is time for all the young ferns and flowers to strike out on their own and build their grown-up homes. Three sisters, Sassy, Starling, and Serena Fern, can’t wait to build their new homes. But they must be careful—if they don’t build them strong enough, Lonely Wind and Stinging Rain could knock them down!
To help them in their quest, the sisters may ask Night Wind to send them each a Helper. Sassy and Starling Fern know who to ask for, but Serena is unsure. Will Serena be able to choose the right Helper in time? Or will Lonely Wind and Stinging Rain wash her new home away?
In this imaginative retelling of The Three Little Pigs, children will enjoy entering a world full of surprises and lively characters, and take with them a gentle reminder about the importance of making good choices.
The Land of Opposite Attractions
ON SALE 8/9/22!
by Catherine Carson
From debut poet Catherine Carson comes an examination of everyday life, as seen through the lens of a mentally ill young woman navigating her twenties. Full of persistent optimism and honesty, this collection celebrates the tragedy and beauty to be found, not only in the world around us, but in the worlds we carry within ourselves.
by Catherine Carson
From debut poet Catherine Carson comes an examination of everyday life, as seen through the lens of a mentally ill young woman navigating her twenties. Full of persistent optimism and honesty, this collection celebrates the tragedy and beauty to be found, not only in the world around us, but in the worlds we carry within ourselves.
The Lonely Daffodil
ON SALE 8/18/22!
written by Emily Langhorne
illustrated by Heather Heyworth
One day, when a farmer is planting daffodils at the top of a hill, one of the bulbs slips from the basket, rolls down the hill, and lands at the forest’s edge. While there, the daffodil befriends many different creatures, but he can’t help feeling lonely each night when he hears the other daffodils singing together at the top of the hill. The daffodil longs to join in, but when the other daffodils refuse to let him, he must find a different way to use his voice.
written by Emily Langhorne
illustrated by Heather Heyworth
One day, when a farmer is planting daffodils at the top of a hill, one of the bulbs slips from the basket, rolls down the hill, and lands at the forest’s edge. While there, the daffodil befriends many different creatures, but he can’t help feeling lonely each night when he hears the other daffodils singing together at the top of the hill. The daffodil longs to join in, but when the other daffodils refuse to let him, he must find a different way to use his voice.
Life Is Here, and I Have Been Away
ON SALE 8/26/22!
by Dan Bessie
When Mary Burnett finds herself at the very end of her rope, she musters the courage to repel her suicidal demons and commits herself to psychiatric care. And so, her life-saving journey begins—one she vows to take without self-deception, as if looking into a truth-telling mirror.
As she rereads decades of her old journals about long-forgotten incidents, the past comes alive—the good times and the bad: growing up with a petulant mother, her hopes for romance dashed when her intended reveals his homosexuality, two failed marriages, the birth of two sons while living in poverty, and finally, a third husband facing the death penalty.
Resolving her long stream of memories and banishing self-doubt, as she completes therapy, Mary zeroes in on three goals: to retrieve her sons from a Dickensian boarding school, where relatives have placed them; secure a home for her little family, see her boys launched into the world as self-assured young men; and to find a way (in her own words) “to be of use, to serve some purpose in this life.”
In Life Is Here, and I Have Been Away, Mary Burnett’s son Dan Bessie weaves his mother’s narrative with his own perspective, and in so doing explores exactly how one woman was able to reinvent herself and rebuild her life.
by Dan Bessie
When Mary Burnett finds herself at the very end of her rope, she musters the courage to repel her suicidal demons and commits herself to psychiatric care. And so, her life-saving journey begins—one she vows to take without self-deception, as if looking into a truth-telling mirror.
As she rereads decades of her old journals about long-forgotten incidents, the past comes alive—the good times and the bad: growing up with a petulant mother, her hopes for romance dashed when her intended reveals his homosexuality, two failed marriages, the birth of two sons while living in poverty, and finally, a third husband facing the death penalty.
Resolving her long stream of memories and banishing self-doubt, as she completes therapy, Mary zeroes in on three goals: to retrieve her sons from a Dickensian boarding school, where relatives have placed them; secure a home for her little family, see her boys launched into the world as self-assured young men; and to find a way (in her own words) “to be of use, to serve some purpose in this life.”
In Life Is Here, and I Have Been Away, Mary Burnett’s son Dan Bessie weaves his mother’s narrative with his own perspective, and in so doing explores exactly how one woman was able to reinvent herself and rebuild her life.
Wholehearted Day
ON SALE 8/30/22!
written and illustrated by Elizabeth Dodson
Take a journey through Wholehearted Day, a book that dually comforts guardians and children who face separation. Explore why we work and what it means to be apart. Dive deeper into concepts of curiosity, security, development-of-self, and contribution to society. Observe how small daily actions can create wonder-filled experiences with a person you greatly hold! Let this tool curate a moment in time, a space, in which you can snuggle together to speak beautiful words, investigate intricate papercutting illustrations, and be reassured that your efforts are as important as your bond with each other. Discover hearts, symbols, and animals along the way!
written and illustrated by Elizabeth Dodson
Take a journey through Wholehearted Day, a book that dually comforts guardians and children who face separation. Explore why we work and what it means to be apart. Dive deeper into concepts of curiosity, security, development-of-self, and contribution to society. Observe how small daily actions can create wonder-filled experiences with a person you greatly hold! Let this tool curate a moment in time, a space, in which you can snuggle together to speak beautiful words, investigate intricate papercutting illustrations, and be reassured that your efforts are as important as your bond with each other. Discover hearts, symbols, and animals along the way!
Maddy y Mia: Los Cuentos de Tres Patas
written by Pamela Adler
illustrated by Monique Seibel
The family poodle has a litter of puppies, and Maddy's parents say that she can choose one for her very own. Maddy instantly falls in love with the runt of the litter, who was born with only three legs. Little Mia becomes Maddy's constant companion. When Finn and his family move in across the street, he joins Maddy and Mia on many of their adventures. Together, they learn the value of courage, acceptance, and friendship.
illustrated by Monique Seibel
The family poodle has a litter of puppies, and Maddy's parents say that she can choose one for her very own. Maddy instantly falls in love with the runt of the litter, who was born with only three legs. Little Mia becomes Maddy's constant companion. When Finn and his family move in across the street, he joins Maddy and Mia on many of their adventures. Together, they learn the value of courage, acceptance, and friendship.
My Life According to Rock Band: Or Fifty-Eight Short Stories About Life, Love, and the Greatest Video Game Ever Made
by Cade Wiberg
When fifteen-year-old Cade first laid eyes on the box that held the video game Rock Band under his family Christmas tree, he could see his whole future: the face-melting guitar solos he’d play to stadiums of screaming fans, the fame and glory that would follow him like an entourage, the girls that would beg for a night with Cade the Rock God . . .
But that’s not exactly how it went.
Instead of a packed stadium it was a packed college apartment, and girls didn’t exactly beg him, although he did find himself in the highs and lows of love a few times. He didn’t get to play to thousands of screaming fans either, but the few real friends he found along the way, well . . . that part turned out to be just as epic.
With a story for each of the fifty-eight songs available on the original Rock Band, Cade Wiberg dives headfirst into the brutal and beautiful years that shape us into the people we become, and the music that gets us through it all.
When fifteen-year-old Cade first laid eyes on the box that held the video game Rock Band under his family Christmas tree, he could see his whole future: the face-melting guitar solos he’d play to stadiums of screaming fans, the fame and glory that would follow him like an entourage, the girls that would beg for a night with Cade the Rock God . . .
But that’s not exactly how it went.
Instead of a packed stadium it was a packed college apartment, and girls didn’t exactly beg him, although he did find himself in the highs and lows of love a few times. He didn’t get to play to thousands of screaming fans either, but the few real friends he found along the way, well . . . that part turned out to be just as epic.
With a story for each of the fifty-eight songs available on the original Rock Band, Cade Wiberg dives headfirst into the brutal and beautiful years that shape us into the people we become, and the music that gets us through it all.
Shrieks and Sounds and Things Abound: The Quiet Wants of Julien J.
written by Dr. Drew Palacio
illustrated by Apolline Etienne
Julien ran, full of excitement and glee,
and tucked himself under a big oak tree.
The school day was through, and his homework was done.
Finally, he could read Bluebullet (Issue 161)!
All Julien J. wants to do is read his comic book in peace, but when distractions interrupt him time and time again, his frustration boils over. Julien kicks at the ground, he yells, he cries, and when the dust settles, he can’t believe what he sees—Bluebullet, the hero from his comic book, is standing right in front of him!
Learn what Bluebullet has to say about working through the most frustrating moments like a true superhero!
illustrated by Apolline Etienne
Julien ran, full of excitement and glee,
and tucked himself under a big oak tree.
The school day was through, and his homework was done.
Finally, he could read Bluebullet (Issue 161)!
All Julien J. wants to do is read his comic book in peace, but when distractions interrupt him time and time again, his frustration boils over. Julien kicks at the ground, he yells, he cries, and when the dust settles, he can’t believe what he sees—Bluebullet, the hero from his comic book, is standing right in front of him!
Learn what Bluebullet has to say about working through the most frustrating moments like a true superhero!
Off to the Races with Mukha the Dingo
written by Ray Chung
illustrated by Emily Hurst Pritchett
When a shy but curious dingo named Mukha becomes lost at a horse racing event, she’ll do anything to find her humans. Mukha’s adventure is full of twists and turns as she accidentally runs in a terrier race, unintentionally participates in a fancy hat contest, and inadvertently winds up on the racetrack during the main event! Mukha will delight attendees and surprise race officials, but will she find her humans?
illustrated by Emily Hurst Pritchett
When a shy but curious dingo named Mukha becomes lost at a horse racing event, she’ll do anything to find her humans. Mukha’s adventure is full of twists and turns as she accidentally runs in a terrier race, unintentionally participates in a fancy hat contest, and inadvertently winds up on the racetrack during the main event! Mukha will delight attendees and surprise race officials, but will she find her humans?
A Whistleblower's Requiem
by Michael K. Willis
Michael K. Willis never imagined he’d become a whistleblower when he accepted a position as the assistant administrator at Bradley Memorial Hospital. This memoir details the real-life events that led him to file a lawsuit against his boss under the Tennessee Whistleblower Act. This news rocked the small southern town located in the Appalachian Mountains’ western foothills, as the hospital was a renowned institution. Hospital Administrator Jim Whitlock was under indictment, and Willis’s ethical standards would not let him look the other way. He would not be blamed or become the scapegoat. Instead, he would act to save his job and ensure the truth prevailed.
Michael K. Willis never imagined he’d become a whistleblower when he accepted a position as the assistant administrator at Bradley Memorial Hospital. This memoir details the real-life events that led him to file a lawsuit against his boss under the Tennessee Whistleblower Act. This news rocked the small southern town located in the Appalachian Mountains’ western foothills, as the hospital was a renowned institution. Hospital Administrator Jim Whitlock was under indictment, and Willis’s ethical standards would not let him look the other way. He would not be blamed or become the scapegoat. Instead, he would act to save his job and ensure the truth prevailed.
From Basketball to Bow Ties: A Journey in Leadership, Self-Discovery, and Success through Service
by Harold E. Harris, Jr.
What do basketball and bow ties have in common? More than you’d expect. Namely: leadership. Part memoir, part self-help book, From Basketball to Bow Ties follows Harold E. Harris Jr. from his tumultuous youth spent playing and eventually coaching basketball to his adulthood as a successful businessman who is never without his signature bow tie. Harris’s journey through the hoops helps to shape his ultimate career path, where he leads a team with the foundations of teamwork and diligence. He skillfully translates lessons learned on the court to actionable tips for professional leadership. Leaders, professionals, sports fans, and students will find this book an invaluable resource for developing their leadership skills.
What do basketball and bow ties have in common? More than you’d expect. Namely: leadership. Part memoir, part self-help book, From Basketball to Bow Ties follows Harold E. Harris Jr. from his tumultuous youth spent playing and eventually coaching basketball to his adulthood as a successful businessman who is never without his signature bow tie. Harris’s journey through the hoops helps to shape his ultimate career path, where he leads a team with the foundations of teamwork and diligence. He skillfully translates lessons learned on the court to actionable tips for professional leadership. Leaders, professionals, sports fans, and students will find this book an invaluable resource for developing their leadership skills.
Astra the Lonely Airplane
written by Julie Whitney
illustrated by Michelle Simpson
Astra is a sleek, shiny airplane who loves to go flying with her best friend, Captain Dan. But when Astra and Dan suddenly find themselves out of a job, Astra must wait in her lonely hangar for a new owner to come along and give them somewhere to go! As the weeks turn into months and the right buyer still doesn’t appear, Astra begins to wonder: Will she ever get to fly again?
illustrated by Michelle Simpson
Astra is a sleek, shiny airplane who loves to go flying with her best friend, Captain Dan. But when Astra and Dan suddenly find themselves out of a job, Astra must wait in her lonely hangar for a new owner to come along and give them somewhere to go! As the weeks turn into months and the right buyer still doesn’t appear, Astra begins to wonder: Will she ever get to fly again?
