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 Far too many stories go unpublished and unshared.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 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!
Noble
ON SALE 9/9/22!!!
by Stephanie Parwulski
Every town in the kingdom of Ansel has a storyteller, a man who weaves threads of magic into stories to share with the men of the community—and only the men, for in Ansel, women are forbidden from learning to read.
Elbon doesn’t know why Storyteller chose him as an apprentice. After all, he has no family, no friends, and not much talent for hearing the words woven into the colorful threads strung on Storyteller’s magic harp. Still, Elbon does his best to make his teacher proud . . . even if he doesn’t feel confident that he can.
But when Elbon meets a frightened boy named Freddie who claims to be running away from home—and when agents from the royal palace arrive not long after in search of a missing princess—Elbon and his new friend must work together to uncover the secrets that have shaped both their lives . . . and maybe right a few ancient wrongs along the way.
by Stephanie Parwulski
Every town in the kingdom of Ansel has a storyteller, a man who weaves threads of magic into stories to share with the men of the community—and only the men, for in Ansel, women are forbidden from learning to read.
Elbon doesn’t know why Storyteller chose him as an apprentice. After all, he has no family, no friends, and not much talent for hearing the words woven into the colorful threads strung on Storyteller’s magic harp. Still, Elbon does his best to make his teacher proud . . . even if he doesn’t feel confident that he can.
But when Elbon meets a frightened boy named Freddie who claims to be running away from home—and when agents from the royal palace arrive not long after in search of a missing princess—Elbon and his new friend must work together to uncover the secrets that have shaped both their lives . . . and maybe right a few ancient wrongs along the way.
The Song of Circe and Other Simple Musings
ON SALE 9/14/22!!!
Twilit dreamscapes unfold across J. Matthew Helms’ debut collection of poetry, revealing new worlds beyond the veils of myth. From the shores of Valhalla to the great halls of Mount Olympus, these unique poems guide the reader through the mists of time and legend like a lantern, casting tales of the old gods in a new light. Interwoven with themes of earthly nature and celestial warfare, The Song of Circe reflects the joy and sorrow—the pain and healing—the love and disdain that define the human soul, beckoning us to explore within ourselves the darkest corners of our oldest legends.
Desperate Endeavor
ON SALE 10/4/22!!!
by Glen Olson
If only Humanity knew what sense to make of the fight with AranthChi, the future would be less bleak.
Thirty-five years after the only interstellar war Humanity has ever fought—with the only aliens Humanity has ever met—one man has wondered his entire adult life why the hell that war happened. As part of the peace, the AranthChi hired Humanity to do scientific research for them, and Mikail's job is to ensure the safety of Humanity's secrets. But the AranthChi's long-term conspiracy is beginning to unravel, and Mikail knows something is very wrong. He sets out on a quest to find answers and soon learns that Humanity is in more danger than ever before . . . and time is running out.
by Glen Olson
If only Humanity knew what sense to make of the fight with AranthChi, the future would be less bleak.
Thirty-five years after the only interstellar war Humanity has ever fought—with the only aliens Humanity has ever met—one man has wondered his entire adult life why the hell that war happened. As part of the peace, the AranthChi hired Humanity to do scientific research for them, and Mikail's job is to ensure the safety of Humanity's secrets. But the AranthChi's long-term conspiracy is beginning to unravel, and Mikail knows something is very wrong. He sets out on a quest to find answers and soon learns that Humanity is in more danger than ever before . . . and time is running out.
The Wi-Fi Is Out
ON SALE 10/26/22!!!
written by Tim Lane
illustrated by Tim Lane
“The Wi-Fi is out! What will we do? The Wi-Fi is out and the Internet too!”
Dad’s done everything he can, but there’s no way around it: the router is down, the Wi-Fi is out, and one brother and sister’s lazy weekend afternoon is now ruined! That is, until they remember that there’s still a whole world of adventures for them to explore in the great outdoors—and beyond!
written by Tim Lane
illustrated by Tim Lane
“The Wi-Fi is out! What will we do? The Wi-Fi is out and the Internet too!”
Dad’s done everything he can, but there’s no way around it: the router is down, the Wi-Fi is out, and one brother and sister’s lazy weekend afternoon is now ruined! That is, until they remember that there’s still a whole world of adventures for them to explore in the great outdoors—and beyond!
The Three Little Sprigs
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.
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.
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!
