If you’re looking for a children’s book that’s equal parts giggles and gentle life lessons, The Handy Pandas deserves a spot on the nightstand. Local author and illustrator Jamie McMahon brings her debut children’s book to life during a Storytime event at Novel on Saturday, February 7th, at 10:30 a.m., complete with a full reading, Q&A, coloring pages for kids, and signed copies.
The book’s charm starts with its playful irony. “The book is playful and ironic because pandas are probably the least handy,” McMahon says. The idea sparked while watching videos of panda bears tumbling, climbing, and bouncing back up again. “I love how curious and resilient they are. Pandas are lovable and funny, so I knew they would make great characters for a children’s book.”
That resilience becomes the heart of the story. In The Handy Pandas, four panda friends pride themselves on being problem-solvers. When they wake from a nap to find the sun gone from the sky, each bear tries a different solution — with humorous results. “The story models how teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving can be fun and rewarding,” McMahon says. Even when the solution isn’t what they expect, the joy is in the trying.
Written for children of all ages, the book is deeply inspired by McMahon’s own kids. “I have three little ones — 6, 4, and 1,” McMahon says. “There are vocabulary words that a 6- or 7-year-old hasn’t seen yet, and the critical thinking aspect is great for that age range.” Influences like Shel Silverstein, Dr. Seuss, and Sandra Boynton shine through in the rhyming text and playful unpredictability. “On its face, it’s silly and fun, but there are solid meanings underneath,” McMahon says.
McMahon also illustrated the book herself — a first for her, despite an art background that includes teaching and gallery work. “Creating the illustrations was a learning experience for sure,” McMahon says. With encouragement from her publisher, Mama Bear Books, she embraced bold, bright colors that match the book’s upbeat tone without overpowering the words.
Ultimately, the goal is simple and heartfelt. “If kids just giggle while enjoying the book, that’s a win for me,” McMahon says. “But I also hope they walk away thinking, ‘I can do it. We can figure this out.’”
The Handy Pandas is available at mamabears.com and Amazon. Jamie’s Storytime event at Novel will be a perfect outing for young readers and the grown-ups who love reading with them.
The Handy Pandas Storytime with Jamie McMahon, Novel, 387 Perkins Extd., Saturday, February 7, 10:30 a.m., Free.