By Kezia Royer-Burkett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Two local authors are making waves in the world of children’s literature, using their stories to uplift, inspire, and empower young readers. Sophia “SoJay” Jackson, creator of Soulful Colour Affirmation colouring books, and Katie Sin, author of Marin’s Magic Cheer, have crafted books that are more than just stories — they are tools for self-expression, confidence, and resilience.
For Jackson, colouring has always been a personal escape, a therapeutic tool she turned to for relaxation and self-care. But something was missing. “I loved colouring, but I found the adult colouring books too intricate, and the kids’ ones lacked diversity,” she explains. That realization led her to create Soulful Colour, a series of affirmation colouring books designed to celebrate representation, mindfulness, and positive self-talk. With each book, Jackson, alongside her brother and lead illustrator Ennay White, pairs inspiring affirmations with beautifully illustrated pages that encourage creativity and self-reflection.
“There’s a powerful connection between the left and right sides of the brain when you engage in affirmations while colouring,” Jackson says. “It stimulates both logic and creativity, making the experience deeper and more impactful.” Her books have found homes not only in the hands of children but also in wellness spaces, therapy sessions, and schools, where they are used as tools for emotional support.
Jackson recalls a moment that underscored the impact of her work. “I was doing a session with kids, and one boy shared that he had been rejected by a girl he liked. His classmates rallied around him, shifting his perspective, reminding him that failure isn’t a ‘no’ — it’s just a ‘not right now.’ That’s the power of affirmations.”
Diversity is woven into every page of Soulful Colour. The books include Adinkra symbols from West Africa, bilingual French and English editions, and illustrations that reflect the beauty of Black culture. “Representation matters,” Jackson emphasizes. “When kids see themselves in these books, it expands their ideas of what’s possible. We underestimate how deeply they think about things.”
Like Jackson, Katie Sin’s book Marin’s Magic Cheer is rooted in empowerment — this time through the lens of perseverance and encouragement. Inspired by her own experience running the Boston Marathon while seven months pregnant, Sin wanted to honour the women who continue chasing their dreams after motherhood.
“I only had the confidence to do it because of the incredibly supportive running moms who came before me,” she says. “They normalized running while pregnant, reminded me to listen to my body, and encouraged me to trust my journey. I wanted to create a story that celebrated that community.”
Marin’s Magic Cheer follows a young girl as she excitedly cheers on her mother during a big race. As she watches the runners struggle up a steep hill, she realizes the power of encouragement, leading a silly cheer that lifts their spirits. But as the race continues and her mom still hasn’t appeared, Marin begins to worry — will she make it to the finish line?
“At its heart, this book is about perseverance and the importance of support,” Sin says. “No one achieves their goals alone. A few words of encouragement or a simple high-five can make all the difference.”
Beyond the story, Sin was intentional about ensuring diversity in the book’s illustrations. “Self-publishing gave me the creative freedom to make those choices — like featuring a runner wearing a hijab, a runner with a prosthetic leg, a pregnant runner. The more kids see themselves reflected in books, the more they can envision themselves taking on big challenges — like one day running a marathon.”
Sin’s book has already sparked excitement in running communities. She recently partnered with the Dino Run race series in Toronto, an event that combines storytelling with movement, encouraging families to get active together. “Running is a powerful way to build confidence, set goals, and create lasting memories,” she says. “I hope this book inspires kids to cheer for their moms just as much as their moms cheer for them.”
Both Jackson and Sin are proving that books can do more than entertain — they can uplift, heal, and shape the way children see themselves and the world around them. Whether through the meditative practice of colouring affirmations or the joy of cheering someone to the finish line, these authors are helping to build a future where creativity, diversity, and encouragement take centre stage.
For more information or to purchase a Soulful Colour affirmation colouring book, go to soulfulcolour.com; for more information on Marin’s Magic Cheer, go to marinsmagiccheer.com, which is available for purchase on Amazon.
