The Journey of Bringing Stella to Life

They say your dog starts to look like you, but I beg to differ. Act like me? Maybe. But Stella has a look all her own. She's a star, and she certainly doesn't need anyone fawning over her to know it.

I've always looked forward to my birthday each year, so I couldn't help but laugh when I realized Stella and I celebrate ours just days apart. As if that wasn't enough, we also share the same zodiac sign. Two Aquarians... ruh-roh!

Looking back, maybe it should have been obvious from the start. Stella has always marched to the beat of her own drum. She's curious, adventurous, fiercely independent, and never afraid to make her presence known. Those little personality quirks didn't just make me fall in love with her, they eventually inspired something much bigger.

From the very beginning, Stella made one thing abundantly clear: she was the boss.

She insisted on holding her own leash during walks, only placing it in my hand once she decided she was done carrying it herself. I taught her how to shake paws, but she quickly decided that trick was for private audiences only. If anyone else was around, she'd look at me as if to say, Absolutely not. To this day, she still refuses to perform on command for a crowd.

She also had very strong opinions about mealtime. Stella chose exactly where she wanted to eat, and if her bowl wasn't placed in the precise spot she had in mind, she simply wouldn't eat. There was no negotiating with her. She knew what she wanted, and she expected the rest of us to figure it out.

Despite all the sass, Stella has the sweetest heart.

Whenever I'm crying, she's right there to lick away my tears, as if she's trying to make everything okay. Somehow, she's also become incredibly protective of me. If I have a bad feeling about someone or simply don't trust their energy, Stella seems to know it instantly. She'll often growl or give them a look that says she feels the same way. I swear she has a sixth sense, and I can't make this stuff up.

Looking back, I may not have been ready for a dog when Stella came into my life, but I know without a doubt that she was meant to be mine. She has been my greatest adventure, my biggest source of laughter, and the inspiration behind the stories I'm now writing. Before Stella ever became a character on a page, she was, and always will be, the heart behind every story.

Before You Meet Stella, Meet Maria

Flashback to 2012: I had a choice to make. Pursue a writing scholarship or follow my lifelong dream of becoming a teacher.

At the time, I thought I could only choose one.

I had no idea that one day, I'd get to do both.

A little over a year ago, I was introduced to Maria Motta. From the moment I visited her website, I knew she was someone special. She introduces herself by saying:

"I'm Maria—a Colombian illustrator who's been drawing since forever and turning that magic into stories kids can actually see, feel, and grow with."

As soon as I read those words and saw her work, I understood exactly what she meant. Her illustrations don't just accompany a story, they breathe life into it.

As I read more about Maria, I quickly realized she was far more than just an illustrator, she was a storyteller. Her passion for creating artwork that sparks imagination, celebrates individuality, and helps children see themselves in stories resonated deeply with me.

I spent five years living in Manayunk, and it quickly became one of my favorite places in Philadelphia. Its vibrant arts scene, colorful murals, small businesses, and welcoming community left a lasting impression on me. When I began writing Stella Sails the Schuylkill, I knew I wanted the story to capture the charm, creativity, and sense of belonging that make Manayunk so special.

Maria's own journey from Bogotá to the United States made our collaboration feel especially meaningful. While Stella Sails the Schuylkill is an adventure story, I wanted to partner with an illustrator whose work reflects curiosity, kindness, and an appreciation for the many perspectives that strengthen our communities. Maria's artistic voice embodies all of those qualities, and I knew she would bring something truly special to Stella's world.

I am incredibly grateful to have Maria bringing Stella's world to life, and I cannot wait to introduce readers to the magic she is creating on every page.

Want to see more of Maria's incredible work? Be sure to visit her portfolio at Maria Motta Illustration and follow her on Instagram @mariamottaillustration.

I can't wait to share more of the beautiful world she's creating for Stella Sails the Schuylkill. This is only the beginning.