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Sunny Stella
A Guiding Light on My Homesteading Journey
Sharing My Homesteading Journey to Teach & Inspire Others!
Sunny StellaTM, a bright and adventurous fictional character, began as a simple sketch for the cover art of a backyard homesteading book I was planning for adults. But as I fleshed her out ~ something magical happened ~ she took on a life of her own. As I sketched her physical characteristics, it became clear to me that she was a child. The more I sketched, the more inspired I became to share some of my knowledge from the perspective of 11-year-old Sunny Stella; hence, Backyard Homestead Adventures (2023) was conceived.
Over the next year, Sunny Stella transformed from a character into a vibrant guide, surprising me as her story blossomed. She became the main character in Backyard Homestead Adventures (Book 1 of 3 in the Sunny Stella™ series). Sunny Stella’s image is copyrighted, with registration completed in 2024; her name was trademarked in 2025.
Through Sunny Stella’s eyes, I share simple, hands-on homesteading lessons that help children (and their families) connect with nature, grow food, and care for animals.
Why I created Sunny Stella
I created Sunny Stella™ to inspire kids and families to try homesteading, connect with nature, and enjoy the rewards of self-sufficiency. My “why” started with a random doodle ~ a sketch ~ a spark that turned into a lively character as I poured my heart into my own homesteading journey.
Homesteading taught me how to be resilient and build something lasting from the ground up, and I want to share that with kids and their families. Sunny Stella is my way to help curious minds grow anywhere, push through challenges, and create a sustainable future.
Her Homesteading Adventures
Inspired by this journey, Sunny Stella leads exciting homesteading adventures alongside her friends, exploring the Whispering Woods, enchanted gardens, and embarking on thrilling quests in nature.
A surprising addition to the series was the Backyard Homestead Adventures: Companion Workbook (2025), designed for teachers, homeschoolers, and adults working with middle-grade children (ages 8-12).
The GROW Anywhere System
Although a black-and-white picture of Sunny Stella appears at the start of each chapter, she is part of the imagery, not the central point of the illustration. The main focus of the workbook is the GROW Anywhere SystemTM, my unique signature approach to making nature-based learning and homesteading accessible to everyone ~ regardless of space, resources, or experience. With over 50 fun activities, like Forest Sound Walks and Bee Dance Parties, this system helps adults guide kids in connecting with nature sustainably.
- G: Get Started With Confidence
- R: Redefine Your Space
- O: Optimize What You Have
- W: Work Within Your Abilities
Looking back at the first sketch to where I am today, I can clearly see that Sunny Stella was inspired by my own journey. She’s like a mini-me, lighting the way and keeping me focused as I work on the next book in the series.
Start Your Own Homesteading Adventure
Join Sunny Stella as she explores the magic of the natural world and inspires curiosity, creativity, and a deeper respect for the environment. From the first adventure in Backyard Homestead Adventures, through Homestead Harmony (Coming in 2026), to the final book in the series coming soon thereafter, the Sunny Stella™ Series encourages kids to connect with nature, explore their surroundings, and see every leaf, seed, and creature as an opportunity for discovery! Perfect for middle-grade readers, classrooms, or home learning,
Order Yours Today!
Book Two: Homestead Harmony Storybook coming in 2026!
Breaking News: New Product Line
Limited Edition Sunny Stella™ Collectible 3″ x 5″ magnets featuring original hand-sketched artwork designed by Susan Shining-Star, then developed into vibrant full-color illustrations. Each magnet is individually numbered and packaged with a Certificate of Authenticity for collectors, kids, educators, and Sunny Stella fans.
