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 Far too many stories go unpublished and unshared.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.

New and Upcoming Releases

Henry and the Magical Words

written by Cathy Newbanks-Hawks
illustrated by Susannah Wagner Merritt
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Separated from his parents, Henry is discovered by two children who once lived in the foster care system. By taking Henry in, the family discovers how important it is to take time to listen to the similarities and differences of each and every member of a family. Later, when Henry and his aunt and uncle are reunited, Henry learns that he can happily belong to more than one family! 


Kinship care is a federally supported child-welfare initiative in which children come to live with their extended families. Henry and the Magical Words was inspired by one such child. In her words, she wanted to “belong somewhere—anywhere.” Moved by that conversation, and by Margery Williams’ classic story, The Velveteen Rabbit, Cate Newbanks-Hawks offers a story that is sure to touch the hearts of anyone who has ever longed to belong. Profits from sales of this book will be donated in support of young people with lived experience in foster care.
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I'd Rather Be Me

written by Emily Peace Harrison

illustrated by Dacil Curbelos


If you were not you, who would you be? Maybe a whale in the deep blue sea? Hank the pup is happy just being himself, except for one little problem—a tiny flea buzzing in his ear, telling him that he’s not good enough. What if he were a monkey? Or a bird? Or even a lion? Wouldn’t that be better than just being himself?


Sometimes it is hard to avoid the pressures to change who you are just to fit in. Will the flea convince Hank to be someone he’s not, or will Hank stay true to himself?
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Littlest Mano at Bedtime

written by Anita Dromey

illustrated by Taranggana



The goats love to graze and play all day on the sunny hillside. But when it's time to trek to the cooler breezes of the seaside for their evening rest, Littlest Mano says he isn’t tired of playing yet! How will Mama Goat keep Littlest Mano with the group so they can all settle down together for the night?
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Marco Pollo, World-Traveling Chicken: The Adventure Begins

written by Kathryn Dickerson
illustrated by Okan Bülbül


In a world completely fenced in, one young chicken dares to break away from tradition and out of the farmyard to explore the world he knows is just on the other side. Marco’s heart aches to spread his wings and go where no chicken has gone before —and one day Marco gets his chance!  But he discovers quickly that he’s not ready for the big, bustling world outside the safe nest he’s known his whole life. Luckily, his uncle is there to save him and prepare him to fulfill his destiny of becoming Marco Pollo, World-Traveling Chicken!
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Llama, Girl, and the Sunriseflower

written by Greg Clay
​illustrated by Andrea Bures

Best friends Llama and Girl share a life of magic, wonder, and adventure. Together they spend their days racing clouds, singing to the Grumblewhump, watching sunrises, and tending to their garden. They do everything together. But when Girl gets sick, how will Llama spend the day without her?

Llama, Girl, and the Sunriseflower is a warmhearted, wholesome story of friendship, the wonder of nature, TOP-SECRET llama magic, and connecting and caring for one another. This gentle and surprising tale forges a fantastical world with unforgettable characters, charming storytelling, and whimsical, hand-drawn illustrations.


ON SALE 11/6/24!
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The Bears Who Loved a Panda: A Story of Unconditional Love

written by Olga Wall
illustrated by Natalia Logvanova


Ping, an adorable and curious baby panda escapes the confines of the Washington Zoo and ventures into the wilds of the Shenandoah Mountains in search of home. But when Ping encounters a group of pandas unlike any he’s ever seen, his adventure takes an unexpected turn. As Ping navigates this new world and a new reality, he’ll need all of his courage to find his place among this strange looking pack. Will Ping succeed and discover that home is where the bear hugs are?


ON SALE 11/19/24!
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