The Gruffalo, a Manatee, and a Pillow Fort of Joy

There are few books I could read over and over again—The Gruffalo easily tops that list. As a dad of two young girls, it’s become a bedtime staple, and I’ve long since given each character their own voice (I’ll let you imagine my sassy snake or sly fox). It’s clever, lyrical, and cheeky in a way that entertains both kids and the adults reading it for the 1,457th time. In many ways, that clever balance is what I strive for in my own work, like my Manatee Wallpaper Pillows—a cozy, squishy extension of the artwork from my kids’ book Uncommon Animals of the Alphabet. Think of it as the kind of pillow you’d want to sink into after a long day of Gruffalo growling and pre-bedtime crazy time—maybe even build a pillow fort with.

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Float Away with My Manatee Wallpaper Pillow

Now available on Redbubble, this Manatee Wallpaper Pillow brings a playful sense of calm to your space—just like its underwater muse. Adapted from the “M is for Manatee” illustration in my book, the pattern turns these gentle sea cows into floating art companions for your couch, reading nook, or creative corner.

Here’s why I chose Redbubble to bring this to life:

• Premium Quality Materials: The pillows feature a soft and durable 100% spun polyester fabric cover that’s easy to spot-clean and built to last.
  
• Double-Sided Design: The manatee pattern repeats front and back, so no matter which way you toss it, you’re greeted by sea creature serenity.
  
• Multiple Sizes: Available in four sizes—16″, 18″, 20″, and 24″ square—to suit everything from a cozy armchair to a full-on pillow fort.
  
• Insert Options: Choose between just the cover or upgrade to include the plump polyester insert, which is hypoallergenic and ready for maximum squish factor.
  
• Invisible Zipper: A tidy, hidden zipper makes the cover easy to remove and wash while keeping the design sleek and uninterrupted.
  

I stick with Redbubble as my print-on-demand partner because they handle everything—from high-quality printing to global shipping—closer to where you are, which cuts down on the environmental footprint. It allows me to spend more time creating, knowing each piece is produced with care, professionally packaged, and sent off to new homes without the stress of inventory and logistics.

What book could you read over and over again?

Back to the Gruffalo…

I’ve probably read The Gruffalo more times than I’ve had hot coffees (and that’s saying something). There’s just something about its rhythm and wit that keeps it from going stale. It’s also sneakily educational—introducing rhyme, prediction, and confidence through storytelling. That’s what I aim for with Uncommon Animals of the Alphabet—to not just list animals, but make them sing, intrigue, and invite kids and grownups alike into a world they want to return to again and again. My hope is that my manatee might just be someone else’s Gruffalo someday.

So if you’re into clever creatures, cuddly decor, or just need a good pillow for reading time voices (I see you, Owl), the Manatee Wallpaper Pillow might just be your next favorite thing.