Sawyer's Big Idea

An affirming story for those who struggle to focus on just one task, SAWYER'S BIG IDEA by debut author Kimberly Horch and illustrator Sayani Mukherjee will light up bookstores everywhere September 9, 2025 from publisher Magination Press.

"Sawyer wakes up with an idea. A good idea. A great idea. A get-started-right-away idea!

He makes a sketch, a model, and gets out all his materials. And—woah, what was that? It gave him a new idea. A big idea. A colorful idea. But when it isn't quite going the way he wants, he grumps, and sulks, and—wait, what about that other project? Sawyer flits from one activity to another throughout the day, new ideas hitting him like lightning. There's a project from yesterday, a costume for his furry sidekick, and a book or twelve he was reading, and . . . before he knows it, it's time for bed. But he can't go to bed yet! His idea isn't finished! He didn't finish one thing today! Or did he?"

SAWYER'S BIG IDEA hit home for me. My oldest daughter seems to flit and float from one idea or activity to another like an "absent-minded professor." And her bedroom resembled Einstein's lab or Edison's studio with unfinished projects everywhere. I didn't understand this way of thinking as a Type A personality until I realized . . . as a writer I do the same thing! It's often helpful to move to an idea that is catching your attention more than another you previously started. Finishing one project before another chronologically doesn't win you a prize most likely. It might even be stifling to the overall creative process. SAWYER'S BIG IDEA embraces Sawyer's slightly chaotic energy and encourages a positive view of his attention struggles. The text seems to buzz and bounce around just like the main character which I think is a brilliant way to bring readers into Sawyer's shoes. It's good to show kids there are different paths to creativity, and a very linear one doesn't mean it is the right one for everyone. The illustrations are bright, vibrant, and generate excitement. I also adore all the hidden details and Sawyer's very expressive furry sidekick! A note to readers provides more information from a psychologist to support kids who struggle with attention with things like conversation starters called "Caring Chats," etc. This is a great selection to add to your neurodiverse library from the American Psychological Association. It's already the #1 release for "Children and Adolescent's Learning Disorders" and #12 overall in the same category on the orange banner flying site! Let's celebrate all kinds of diverse thinkers!

Kids can bring their big ideas to life, just like Sawyer!

SAWYER'S BIG IDEA by Kimberly Horch and Sayani Mukherjee 

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