The true story of kindness that began in Port Coquitlam, British Columbia

I’m so excited to share that I’ve turned something that has brought me an immeasurable amount of joy into a children’s book!

If you’ve been following along for a while, you’ll already know about the Tiny Studio, the little free art studio I created at the end of my driveway here in Port Coquitlam. What began as a simple idea has grown into something more wonderful than I ever could have imagined, bringing people together through creativity, generosity and little acts of kindness.

Watching it all unfold has been one of the happiest experiences of my life, and somewhere along the way, I started imagining how wonderful it would be if children could read a book about this magical little place and then actually come and visit it.

I loved the idea of making something that was already bringing so much joy to our community even more special. A story that could be read at bedtime, followed by a little adventure to find the real Tiny Studio, peek inside its shelves, create something, and become part of the story themselves.

So I decided to make that book.

The Tiny Studio is a 32-page, full-colour hardcover children’s picture book inspired by the true events that have unfolded around our little neighborhood art studio. I wrote the story and hand-painted every illustration, and I even created a font from my own handwriting to make it feel that much more personal.

And the part I love most? The story doesn’t have to end when you turn the last page.

It’s a story children can step right into.

A story to read. A real place to visit. And a little kindness to become part of.

Why this book means so much to me

When my boys were little, my mom had a very special book club just for the three of them.

It was a proper little club, complete with membership cards, official roles, and a journal where they recorded the books they read and rated them with colourful star stickers.

Grammy was the treasurer because she bought the books and snacks. Jerod was the secretary, responsible for recording their reviews, and Davis was the social convener, choosing where and when they’d meet.

And me? Well I was officially a NON-MEMBER. My mom even made me a membership card to prove it!

My mom had a wonderful way of making books into so much more than stories. She delighted in discovering beautifully illustrated books, unusual little treasures, and stories she couldn’t wait to share with the boys.

Sometimes they’d snuggle up together under the covers to read. Other times they’d head out to a little bakery or cafe, try something new, and make an afternoon of it. They even created their own book together, bringing the boys’ wonderfully silly imaginary world to life.

I recently found this photo from 2018, along with the caption my mom wrote when she shared it.

“What could be better then reading in bed, you ask? Why, Secret Book Club in bed with these two. Sorry….membership is closed.” Grammy, April 30, 2018

Looking back at those memories makes me smile so much. I know exactly how much my mom would have delighted in finding a book about a real little art studio where kindness grows, reading it with the boys, and then taking them to discover that very place for themselves.

I can picture them arriving with something they’d made, peeking into the shelves, and leaving a little treasure for another child to find.

And that’s what I hope The Tiny Studio will become for other families.

A book to curl up with at bedtime. A reason to head out on a little adventure together. A chance to create something, share something and experience the joy of giving while finding something special to treasure or inspire.

Maybe even the beginning of a little tradition of their own.

Because when I think back on my boys’ childhood, it’s those simple, thoughtful little experiences that have become our most treasured memories.

My hope is that this book helps create a few more of those memories for other families, too.

A little book that gives back.

The real Tiny Studio continues to welcome visitors, with free art supplies and handmade treasures shared by members of our community.

Purchases of The Tiny Studio help support keeping its shelves stocked and making more community art projects possible.

It’s another way for the kindness that inspired the story to keep growing.

And I can’t imagine a happier ending than that.

The book

The Tiny Studio

A true story of kindness that began in Port Coquitlam, British Columbia.

• Written and illustrated by: Feona Schalk

• Format: Full-colour hardcover

• Pages: 32

• Size: 8.5 × 11 inches

• Recommended ages: 3-7, perfect for reading together

• Hardcover price: $29.99

• Available: November 2026

Coming soon!

I’ll be sharing more details about the book’s release, where to find copies, and opportunities to have your book personally signed.

In the meantime, you’re always welcome to discover the real Tiny Studio in Port Coquitlam.

Because this is one story that you can actually step into.

With love,