A Cozy and Curious Picture Book Adventure
Project Type: Children’s Picture Book
Publication Date: July 2025
Published on: Amazon KDP – paperback and Kindle versions
Up A Tree with Harold
A whimsical story for curious minds, Up a Tree with Harold is a picture book written and self-published by Jaci Willoughby. It follows a mischievous cat named Harold who finds himself stuck in a tree—and the quirky cast of neighbors who rally to help him down. With a focus on community, problem-solving, and gentle humor, the book is designed to delight young readers and grown-up read-aloud partners alike.
🎯 Goals:
- Write and publish a fully illustrated children’s book
- Develop a relatable, humorous story that encourages empathy and teamwork
- Explore KDP’s publishing tools and processes
- Create promotional graphics and social media content to support the launch
🖼️ Creative Elements:
- Cover Design & Branding: Illustrated cover that reflects Harold’s personality and the book’s gentle humor
- Interior Layout: Full-color illustrations and rhythmic text designed for read-aloud ease
- Author Branding: Avatar-style author photo with a Cottagecore flair to match the whimsical tone
- Keywords & Categories: Optimized for discoverability in Children’s Books (Animals, Humor, Cats)
- Design Approach: Used AI-generated image prompts to craft whimsical, child-friendly illustrations tailored to early readers—balancing storytelling charm with visual engagement.
📣 Marketing Highlights:
- Social media announcement posts (LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Threads)
- Strategic keyword selection for Amazon visibility
- Cross-promotion with other projects like Forest of Whispers
🧩 Portfolio Takeaway:
This project reflects my ability to independently concept, write, format, and market a self-published book. It highlights my storytelling voice, project management skills, and visual content creation—all wrapped in a warm, engaging package.
Jacqueline Willoughby 