There's More Than One Way to Experience a Good Story

By Jaybie D.

The wonderful thing about stories is that they make us laugh, surprise us, and sometimes become part of how we express ourselves. And reading isn't the only way to experience them.

Think of your favorite fictional character. Some are impossible to forget. Others leave us wondering why we've become so emotionally invested in someone who doesn't actually exist.

Now imagine a T-shirt that declares, “My Favorite Character Died Three Galaxies Ago.” To a science-fiction fan, those words might be painfully relatable. To someone else, they're an amusing mystery. Either way, the shirt is likely to earn a second glance.

That connection between stories and the ways we experience them is at the heart of Jaybie D., a creative brand offering original children's picture books, bookish apparel for toddlers through adults, and interactive school author experiences.

One Story, Different Discoveries

Picture an adult reading aloud to a child. The adult follows the words, perhaps adding a funny voice, while the child studies the illustrations. Suddenly, the child interrupts. “Wait! Why did she do that?”

A conversation begins. Perhaps the child has noticed something in the pictures, or maybe the character's choices have sparked a question. The adult and child begin exploring the story together, each bringing a different perspective. Read that same book next week, and an entirely different conversation might unfold.

That's part of the magic of picture books. The words and illustrations work together, inviting readers to discover more about the characters, the world around them, and sometimes even themselves. Jaybie D.'s stories offer plenty of opportunities for those moments.

In Donkey Dell, a strong-willed donkey discovers that the very determination that gets him into trouble might also be what helps him save the circus.

Haunted House Day & Night is a book to enjoy any time of year. It follows a family’s adventure through a haunted attraction, where the illustrations reveal details that invite readers to reconsider what initially appears frightening.

And in Mei-Mei Flying With Flair, a young fairy from a family of elegant fliers tries copying the birds she crashes into, only to discover that finding her own flying style requires more than practice. It requires asking why and finding what feels right.

Each of Jaybie D.’s eight books is an adventure to enjoy, with something new to discover along the way. Sometimes the most memorable part isn't what happens on the page, but the laughter or conversation that follows.

The Gift That Says, “I Know You”

There's a particular pleasure in finding a gift that feels as though it was made for someone.

Maybe it's a T-shirt that captures a friend's inability to stop reading at a reasonable hour. Perhaps it's a playful reference to a beloved character, an inside joke, or a familiar attitude that immediately makes you think of someone you love.

You can almost picture their reaction before they've opened it. Then comes that wonderful moment when they unfold the gift, see the design, and light up.

For the recipient, there's the delight of feeling understood. For the giver, there's the satisfaction of having chosen something that says, “I know you.” Jaybie D.'s bookish apparel celebrates those connections through designs inspired by reading habits, literary humor, favorite genres, and the emotions that accompany a good story.

A thoughtfully chosen picture book can create a similar experience. Perhaps a grandparent recognizes a grandchild's determination in Dell or sees a little one's growing independence reflected in Mei-Mei. The gift becomes an invitation to share something enjoyable, and perhaps create a memory together.

When Stories Become Shared Adventures

For schools, there's another way to experience the stories.

Jaybie D. collaborates with Cathy Claussen, an educator with more than 30 years of experience, to create interactive author presentations and workshops for elementary students.

The books provide the inspiration, but the school experiences take a different approach. Children become active participants, exploring ideas through discussion, imagination, and hands-on activities.

Inspired by Haunted House Day & Night, students might investigate visual clues, compare scenes, and discover how gathering information can change their understanding of something that initially seems frightening.

In a Donkey Dell experience, children might work together to assemble a giant circus puzzle, discovering how considering different perspectives can help everyone reach a shared goal.

Schools can choose an author presentation, a hands-on workshop, or a combination of both. They can also collaborate with Jaybie D. to tailor an experience around their curriculum, classroom objectives, or topics they want to explore. The aim is to make curiosity and discovery enjoyable while preserving the fun of the original stories.

Something for Every Kind of Reader

A child discovering something new in a picture book, a friend laughing at the perfect literary gift, and children working together to solve a puzzle during a school visit might seem like entirely different experiences.

And they are.

That's what makes stories so versatile. They can be enjoyed quietly, shared with someone special, expressed through personal style, or brought to life through imagination and participation. There’s something wonderful about finding a story that feels just right.

Because there's more than one way to experience a good story.

About Jaybie D.

Jaybie D. creates original children's picture books, bookish apparel for toddlers through adults, and interactive school author experiences. Explore more at www.JaybieD.com.