Celebrating Creativity, Motherhood, and the Power of Independent Authors: Spotlight on Avery Groll

Some stories don’t start with a business plan. They start with a feeling.

For Avery Groll, that feeling came in the middle of motherhood. In the quiet moments between milestones. In the realization that time is both beautiful and fleeting. And in the deep desire to leave something behind that honored her children and the season of life she was living.

“I wanted to create something meaningful for my family,” Avery shares. “This book is a keepsake for me, an ode to my children, and a gentle reminder to slow down and soak in the moments that matter most.”

That heart-led purpose became The Adventures of Bubby & Bubs: A Day of Creative Indoor Play, a children’s book that celebrates imagination, screen-free fun, and the magic of simply being together.

But this story is about more than a book.
It’s about a woman who listened to her calling and chose to create anyway.

When Motherhood Becomes the Spark

Avery’s journey into becoming a children’s author wasn’t about chasing a title. It was about preserving memories.

After becoming a mom to two boys in just two years, she began reflecting on how quickly life moves. “Sometimes you don’t realize the value of a moment until it becomes a memory,” she says. That realization changed everything.

She began writing again not because the timing was perfect, but because it felt necessary.

“I asked myself, ‘If not now, then when?’”

For so many women, especially mothers, that question hits close to home. Between careers, caregiving, and constant responsibilities, creative dreams often get put on hold. Avery’s story is proof that those dreams don’t disappear. They wait patiently until we’re brave enough to listen.

Why Her Stories Look Different

In today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world, Avery is intentional about what she puts in front of young readers.

“I want my kids to experience a real childhood,” she explains. “One where they’re encouraged to think, create, and explore at their own pace. Less rushing. Less screens. More imagination.”

Her book reflects exactly that. Inspired by everyday moments like baking together, building forts, and having living-room dance parties, Bubby & Bubs shows children that magic doesn’t have to come from a screen. It can come from a cardboard box, a blanket fort, or a wild idea before dinner.

And for parents reading along, it offers something just as powerful. A pause. A reminder. A moment to reconnect.

A Story Built with Her Boys

What makes Avery’s journey especially special is how deeply her children are woven into every page.

Her sons aren’t just the inspiration behind the story. They are part of the creative process. From helping choose colors to offering ideas for the illustrations, the book became a true family project.

“They know they’re the characters,” she laughs. “They see themselves in the story, and that makes it even more meaningful.”

For Avery, this isn’t just about publishing a book. It’s about showing her children what’s possible when you follow your heart. About modeling courage. About building something together that will live on long after this season of life has passed.

What She Hopes Families Take Away

When asked what she hopes children feel after reading her book, Avery doesn’t hesitate.

“I want them to feel inspired to use their imagination and know that they can have fun without a screen.”

And for parents?

“I hope they feel connected to their kids. I hope it brings a little nostalgia and reminds them of the beauty in simple moments.”

It’s that dual impact that makes her work so special. She’s writing for children, yes. But she’s also writing for mothers. For the women sitting on the couch after a long day, reading one more story before bedtime, and realizing how sacred that moment really is.

Avery’s story is a love letter to every woman who has ever felt the pull to create something meaningful while juggling everything else life demands.

It’s for the moms who feel time slipping through their fingers.
For the women who carry ideas in their hearts but wonder if they’re “allowed” to chase them.
For the creatives who need a reminder that their dreams still matter.

Avery didn’t wait for perfect circumstances. She chose to honor the season she was in and turn it into something beautiful. And in doing so, she gave her children a story. Gave other families a reminder. And gave herself permission to become everything she felt called to be.

At Look Local First, we believe this is exactly the kind of entrepreneurship worth celebrating. The kind that starts with love. The kind that grows with courage. The kind that reminds us that women don’t have to choose between caring deeply and creating boldly.

We are proud to spotlight Avery Groll. Proud to support her journey.
And proud to stand behind women who turn motherhood, creativity, and heart into something that changes lives, one story at a time.

If Avery’s story resonates with you and you’re looking for a book that encourages creativity, connection, and intentional family time, The Adventures of Bubby & Bubs: A Day of Creative Indoor Play is available now.

You can grab a copy here:
• Outskirts Press:
https://outskirtspress.com/theadventuresofbubby-bubs

• Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Adventures-Bubby-Bubs-Creative-Indoor/dp/1977282873