About the Author
Hi, I’m Ashten — founder of Circle Time Stories and a children’s author.
I didn’t plan on becoming a children’s author. Then one evening, as I was registering my kids for preschool and kindergarten, it hit me how brave kids are: stepping into new places, new teachers, new routines, and new friends. That moment sparked the idea for The Very Brave Day.
My husband had been telling me for years I should write a children’s book. Turns out he was right, I just needed the right story.
Circle Time Stories began with one belief: everyday courage and kindness deserve their place in children’s books.
No gimmicks. No over-the-top “inspiration” messaging. Just honest, meaningful stories that help kids name their feelings and build confidence in small, real-life ways.
I live in Ventura, California, with my husband, Kyle, and our children, Jacob and Eleanor. (Yes, those are the Jacob and Eleanor from The Very Brave Day.) They’re every bit as brave in real life as they are in the pages of the book.
About Circle Time Stories
Circle Time Stories is a cozy, heart-forward storytelling brand built on the belief that small moments have impacts. We create beautifully crafted picture books and companion tools that help children understand feelings, practice courage and kindness, and feel seen in a gentle, joyful way.
Our mission is simple:
Create stories that leap off the page and live in real life.
Stories that spark conversations.
Stories that become family language.
Stories kids carry into who they’re becoming.
What We Believe
Childhood should feel warm, safe, and full of wonder.
Emotional growth belongs in everyday moments, not just classrooms.
Parents deserve simple, joyful ways to nurture bravery and kindness.
Quality matters. Craft matters. Heart matters.
Slow, thoughtful storytelling beats loud, trendy content every single time.
What We Make
Books you’ll want to save.
Characters kids want to talk to.
Tools and keepsakes that turn story time into real-life practice time, for both little ones and grown-ups.
Welcome to the circle. Take a seat, it’s story time!
