From the Author: The Story Behind A Strawberry Valentine Story
After a busy year running my marketing agency, Next Door Creations, I found myself craving something lighter as this past December approached — something just for kids, and honestly, just for fun.
On a bit of a whim, I created EmailsFromSanta.com. What I didn’t expect was how quickly it would take on a life of its own. In a short window of time, more than 200 families quietly shared a little extra magic with their children, and it reminded me how meaningful small, thoughtful moments can be.
That experience stayed with me. I didn’t want the magic to end with Christmas, so I created A Ping of Magic, a home for little notes meant to arrive at just the right moment. Tooth fairy messages. Leprechaun letters. Birthday surprises. Simple touches that feel special when you’re a child.
When Valentine’s Day started to come into view, I paused. An email didn’t quite feel right.
I’ve always loved the idea of giving a book instead of a card. Many of my children’s books are often gifted this way — especially for baby showers — with a handwritten note inside that becomes part of the book’s story. I wondered why we don’t do that more often for other milestones throughout childhood.
That question became A Strawberry Valentine Story.
The story follows a little mouse who finds something red, shiny, and shaped like a heart. Convinced it must be very important, he carries it carefully everywhere he goes, even when a curious bird seems to think it’s something else entirely. It’s a gentle, funny story about small misunderstandings, shared moments, and what it means to treat something with care.
I designed the book to be more than a one-time read. There’s a dedicated To / From page and space for a handwritten note, so it can be given as a Valentine and returned to year after year.
For me, this book is a reminder that magic doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes it’s as simple as a story, a note, and a moment of connection.
As for what comes next for the little mouse . . . well, we’ll have to wait until the next reason to celebrate.
With love,
Lauryn