A BOOK ABOUT COURAGE
FROM FIRST-TIME AUTHOR, AMANDA SPAKES
"If you want to sail big ships, go where the water is deep."
THE BOOKSHELF
"Captain Salty and the Courage to Sail" is a heartwarming and adventurous bedtime story that teaches kids to be brave, take risks, and trust God - even when life feels a little scary.
When little Sawyer asks his grandpa, a.k.a "Pop," for a pirate tale, he’s expecting battles, buried treasure, and high-seas adventure. But what he gets is the surprising story of Captain Salty; a pirate too scared to leave the harbor.
Through a fun and rhythmic journey aboard the Old Iron Jolly, Sawyer learns that courage isn’t the absence of fear, but trusting God as you sail into the unknown. This beautifully told tale reminds children (and grown-ups!) that faith is what helps us launch into the deep waters of life.
"Summer Gratitude & Adventure Journal" is designed to carry kids from the first day of break all the way to the last, with just the right mix of structure, creativity, and freedom to keep them engaged—without turning summer into schoolwork.
Perfect for elementary and middle school students, this all-in-one journal helps kids document their summer in a way they’ll actually want to stick with.
Inside, kids will:
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Plan their summer with a bucket list built for adventure
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Track books they read across the full 12 weeks
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Complete weekly personalized chore charts
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Reflect daily with simple, meaningful prompts about gratitude, learning, kindness, and pride
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Draw their favorite memories every single day
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Log weather, dates, and daily activities like mini summer documentarians
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Enjoy a full range of weekly “Sunday Slowdown” pages featuring puzzles, comics, writing prompts, and creative activities
The entire journal is intentionally designed in black and white so kids can color, doodle, and personalize every corner—making it as unique as their summer memories.
This isn’t just a journal. It’s a boredom buster, memory keeper, creativity booster, and summer sanity-saver all in one. By the end of the 12 weeks, kids won’t just have something to do, they’ll have a keepsake full of their own stories, drawings, growth, and summer adventures.
COMING SOON!
Available Summer 2026
"Captain Salty and the Swinging Compass" is a whimsical, faith-filled pirate adventure where Grandpa, a.k.a. "Pop," once again brings stories to life for his grandson, Sawyer.
In this tale, the legendary Captain Salty sets sail on the Old Iron Jolly with his mischievous crab companion, Pinchy Pete, only to discover that his compass doesn’t always point where he expects. As the seas grow uncertain and directions seem to shift, Captain Salty must learn an important lesson about truth, how to seek it carefully, hold onto it firmly, and trust it even when it feels confusing.
Through laughter, imagination, and a touch of pirate chaos, Sawyer learns that truth is not something to guess or rush. It is something worth slowing down for, seeking with care, and following with courage.
Perfect for bedtime reading, this story gently encourages children ages 3–10 to value honesty, discernment, and the steady guidance that comes from choosing what is true, even when the waters of life feel a little wobbly.
BOOK BUZZ
A wonderful story with phenomenal graphics that any kid could understand and enjoy. [We] Need more children’s books like this with encouraging messages and fun tales!
RACHEL,
Amazon Review
We loved “Captain Salty and the Courage to Sail”! The cute rhyming rhythm kept my children’s attention through the entire story and they loved finding Pinchy Pete throughout the book.
ABBY,
Mother of Four
We enjoyed having Mrs. Spakes visit our classroom to read Captain Salty. She shared a meaningful lesson about having the courage to try new things.
Ms. Castro,
2nd Grade Teacher
BEHIND THE PEN
Amanda is a first-time children's book author inspired by a phrase her father often shared: "If you want to sail big ships, you have to go where the water is deep." This simple saying encouraged her to trust God, step out in faith, and embrace every new adventure - lessons she hopes to pass on to young readers.
When she's not writing, Amanda is a proud sports mom to two energetic boys, enjoys training Jiu-Jitsu, volunteering at her local church and going on many adventure with her husband of 13 years. Professionally, she works as a graphic designer, blending creativity and storytelling into every project.
As a former military spouse, she knows firsthand what it means to navigate uncharted waters, and she's excited to continue writing books that inspire courage, faith and curiosity in children everywhere.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
JOSHUA 1:9