Bam Bam the Bunny debuts at #2 on Amazon U.S.A.
The book reached #2 in Children’s Cartoon books and Children’s Rabbit books, alongside Jasper Rabbit’s Creepy Tales.
There’s no shame in being second.
#2 on Amazon
TikTok Update
More exciting news early in the year!
Over 20,000 new followers joined me on TikTok, and while the number is exciting, what matters most is the community forming around creativity, curiosity, and fun.
If you’re building something and progress feels slow, keep going. Sometimes momentum builds so that things can take off later.
Grateful for everyone who’s along for the ride.
Continue reading “TikTok Update”Celebrating 1 Million Channel Views
Find out what is new on my TikTok
There is renewed interest in TikTok now that a deal has been reached and it won’t be banned.
I picked up where I left off in 2024 and I’m glad I did.
So far this year the channel has grown to over 1 million views in the last 28 days.
Continue reading “Celebrating 1 Million Channel Views”Bam Bam the Bunny: Hole Lotta Trouble
Short Script becomes Official Selection in European Film Festival
Last December, I completed a short script titled “Bam Bam the Bunny: Hole Lotta Trouble,” set within the world and characters of Bam Bam the Bunny. I am pleased to share that the project has been named an Official Selection at the 2026 International Animation Festival.
This recognition comes ahead of the upcoming release of the Bam Bam the Bunny picture book, scheduled to launch on February 14, 2026.
Cowboy Cooper and the Ghost Town is a Semi-Finalist in the Chanticleer Little Peeps Awards
I’m excited to share some great news: Cowboy Cooper and the Ghost Town has advanced to the Semi-Finals of the 2025 Chanticleer Little Peeps Awards for Early Readers Fiction.
The Little Peeps Awards celebrate outstanding children’s and picture books, and reaching the Semi-Finalist tier means the book has now advanced through two competitive rounds of judging. With each stage, the field narrows and I’m honored that Cowboy Cooper and the Ghost Town continues to stand out among so many wonderful titles.
According to Chanticleer, only one more tier—the Finalists—remains before winners are announced, fingers crossed!
Bam Bam the Bunny: Goodreads Giveaway
Enter this limited time book launch promotion.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day and the release of Bam Bam the Bunny, the second book in the Fuzzy Heroes picture book series.
Bam Bam is a hero who spreads love and understanding. Although he has many super abilities, like jumping over buildings, his real superpower is listening and problem-solving. This story shows children that taking the time to listen and find out what’s wrong is the first step toward solving problems. Along the way, Bam Bam makes lots of new friends.
This will be my last Goodreads eBook giveaway. I’m going to focus on other types of giveaways—possibly still with Goodreads, but definitely on other platforms.
Enter Here!
Bam Bam the Bunny Trading Cards have arrived!
Check out the newest addition to the Fuzzy Heroes universe.
Bam Bam the Bunny trading cards are here. They will be available through promotional partners and at events.
These new additions to the Fuzzy Heroes universe arrived ahead of the book which is scheduled to launch February 14, 2026.
Collectors beware! They are limited edition and this is a singular print run.
Chanticleer Shortlisted
Little Peeps Awards for Early Readers
Chanticleer International Book Awards is looking for the best books featuring stories of all shapes and sizes written to an audience for Early Readers. Story books, Beginning Chapter Books, Picture Books, Activity Books, and Educational Books. These books have advanced to the Long List for the CIBAs.
Continue reading “Chanticleer Shortlisted”Guinea Pig Power Rocks the New Year!
The book is already topping the charts in 2026
A special New Year 2-day promo took place January 5-6 to start 2026 off with a bang!💥
The book also appeared back on the chart at home in the U.S.
A big thank you 🙏 to everyone who welcomed this story into their home during this promo.
ITSP – Magazine Feature
ITSP Magazine launched with a Ben St. James and Guinea Pig Power feature.
Check out this feature as well as some other great articles in ITSE magazine.
https://issuu.com/inthespiritentertainmentmagazine/docs/itse_magazine_winter_2025?ff
Fall Promo and Countdown Deal
Both Guinea Pig Power and Cowboy Cooper are running promos right now!
Guinea Pig Power is free and available on Kindle Unlimited.
Cowboy Cooper is part of a Kindle Countdown Deal and is currently priced at just 99¢.
Update: Thank you to everyone who took advantage of these deals!
Cowboy Cooper made it into the Top 6 in two of its categories, and Guinea Pig Power hit the Top 5 in two categories as well.
Three Trails Elementary Reading Event
New friends & stories from the Three Trails
Grateful to be invited to Three Trails Elementary, where Principal Jillian Brownell and the staff created a wonderful celebration for the 67th day of school. I read to 400 students, answered questions, and shared my journey as an author and illustrator—both with publishers and independently.
Continue reading “Three Trails Elementary Reading Event”ReaderViews Magazine Guest Post
My guest post on creating engaging characters for children.
My guest post for ReaderViews Magazine is now live! I want to give a big thank you to Sheri and Susan for inviting me and for the support they give to many authors through guest posts, reviews, interviews, and their esteemed award program. It was a nice shift from my usual work in news and marketing, and it gave me a chance to talk more directly about writing itself.
In the post, I look at a few reasons animal characters work well in children’s books. I discuss their familiar appeal, the sense of comfort they offer young readers, and how they can help kids follow and remember a story.
Thanks again to ReaderViews Magazine for having me. I hope the post offers something useful to anyone creating stories for children.
Read the full article here.
Buckner Elementary Enjoyed Guinea Pig Power
Take a look at the kid’s coloring pages
A big thank you goes out to friend and educator Katy Alexander for sending in this picture.
Official Selection: Vertical Shorts Festival 2026
I’ve received my first selection on FilmFreeway. My vertical animated short Cupid School (which hasn’t been released on any of my personal socials yet) is an Official Selection at the Vertical Shorts Festival in Los Angeles California 2026.
Vertical Shorts Festival is a global celebration of short-form films created specifically for vertical screens. Our mission is to elevate mobile-first storytelling and redefine how cinema is experienced in the 21st century.
Readers’ Favorite Review Page up for Bam Bam the Bunny
Bam Bam Bunny Readers’ Favorite Review
Teaching kids that kindness and courage can change everything
Bam Bam the Bunny: Fuzzy Heroes is a heartwarming children’s picture book written and illustrated by Ben St. James. It follows the adventures of Bam Bam the bunny, who lives in a bustling town and loves to jump from one place to another. He is heroic and always ready to spring into action when someone needs help. When a woman screams for assistance because she is stuck on top of a tall building with an ape, Bam Bam teams up with the police to resolve the situation. However, he soon realizes that not everything is as it seems, and rushing to judge a problem can lead to confusion. By the end of the day, he resolves a misunderstanding and brings together unlikely friends in an unexpected circumstance.
Bam Bam the Bunny: Fuzzy Heroes is both a fun and meaningful story that teaches children about facing their fears and the importance of not making quick judgments. Through Bam Bam, they learn to be there for others in need, show understanding, and help resolve conflicts. His cheerful and energetic nature makes it a joy to read about his adventures. Ben St. James’ narrative is rhythmic, featuring rhyming words and conveying vital messages that both children and adults can appreciate. The artwork is the most striking part because it is colorful and eye-catching. Anyone who has watched classic cartoons like Tom and Jerry or Bugs Bunny will feel nostalgia over the illustrations, as they evoke fond memories of that animation era. Overall, the story emphasizes that differences should be celebrated and that compassion can turn strangers into friends. I highly recommend sharing this book with your children to teach them these valuable lessons while enjoying an entertaining story.
Reviewed by Doreen Chombu for Readers’ Favorite
Two of my Authors win big at the Moonbeam Award
Congratulations go out to Sasha Milena Filipovich and Sarah Uren for their achievements now that the Medalists have been announced
I’m happy to celebrate two incredible authors, Sara Uren and Sasha Milena Filipovich, for their wins at the 2025 Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards — one of the most respected programs recognizing excellence in children’s literature since 2006.
Continue reading “Two of my Authors win big at the Moonbeam Award”Cowboy Cooper & the Ghost Town Longlisted at the Chanticleer Book Awards
Some spooktacularly good news this Halloween! 🎃
Great news came in about Cowboy Cooper and the Ghost Town. It is officially out of the slush pile and a contender in this year’s Chanticleer Little Peeps Picture and Children’s Books competition.
The book made the long list, along with a host of books from various authors and publishers.
There are multiple rounds of judging which take place over the next few months into 2026.
GoodReads Wrap Up
Big thanks to everyone who entered. As of right now My books are on over 1700 reading lists on GoodReads.
Guinea Pig Power also jumped to the #2 and #4 spots on two Amazon charts as the giveaway wrapped up.
Guinea Pig Power Hits The News Across the U.S.A.
Word is out about the recent award wins and brand new contest!
Among the news features is local outlet the California Newswire, Daily Jefferson Country Union, The Daily Independent, and the Associated Press to name a few.
Guinea Pig Power has gone nation-wide. This story has been featured in the Associated Press and picked up by over 400 news outlets across the country. It’s great to see Fuzwald and Rex, two ordinary guinea pigs who become superheroes, getting so much exposure.
Continue reading “Guinea Pig Power Hits The News Across the U.S.A.”Back-to-school Giveaway
Celebrate going back-to-school with Guinea Pig Power
To celebrate a new season of learning and fun, as well as the book’s recent 2nd place win in the Purple Dragonfly Book Awards we have 100 KDP ebooks up for grabs over at Goodreads.
Contest ends September 30th.
Enter To Win!
Cowboy Cooper: Reader’s Favorite Review Page is Live!
The editorial review for Cowboy Cooper and the Ghost Town is now live
“Cowboy Cooper and the Ghost Town is a children’s picture book written and illustrated by Ben St. James. It follows Cooper McGee, affectionately known as Cowboy Cooper to his family and friends due to his love for the Old West. One day, Cowboy Cooper’s teacher introduces the class to an abandoned ghost town near his family’s farm. Excited about the possibility of exploring, Cowboy Cooper decides to search for treasures in the town.
Continue reading “Cowboy Cooper: Reader’s Favorite Review Page is Live!”Guinea Pig Power – Premium Edition
Check out the new version of the book available from Lulu Press.
To mark the recent 2nd place win in the Story Monsters Purple Dragonfly Book Awards, a new edition of the book is now available. This Premium Edition includes updated cover art featuring all major award wins commemorating the book’s exciting journey, higher quality interior pages, and a refreshed, more vibrant design.
Available Now!
Guinea Pig Power Wins 2nd Place at the 2025 Purple Dragonfly Awards
The Purple Dragonfly Awards, run by Story Monsters LLC, recognize excellence in children’s literature across multiple categories.
Guinea Pig Power has tied for 2nd place in the Humor category at the 2025 Story Monsters Purple Dragonfly Book Awards.
Judges look for books that are well-written, visually appealing, and engaging for young readers.
Continue reading “Guinea Pig Power Wins 2nd Place at the 2025 Purple Dragonfly Awards”Cover Reveal: Bam Bam The Bunny
The next adventure in the Fuzzy Heroes series is almost here.
Meet Bam Bam the Bunny, the star of the upcoming rhyming picture book from the Fuzzy Heroes series. This sequel to the award-winning Guinea Pig Power skips the origin story and hops straight into action — with a few new faces joining the fun.
Most of this book was completed before Cowboy Cooper and the Ghost Town, but that release made room for a new scene and a few final touches. It’s nearly ready to go!
Stay tooned for release details!
Holding Steady at the Top Spot
Cowboy Cooper shows staying power as a new release
After being released July 4th, Cowboy Cooper and the Ghost Town has maintained Top New Release status for a full 4 weeks in a row on Amazon.com
3 weeks (21 days) at #1
7 Days at #1
Cowboy Cooper holds steady at the top spot for over 1 week since launching.
Cowboy Cooper held onto its top Hot New Release status in 4 categories:
Children’s Exploration (Paperbacks)
Children’s US Western Historical Fiction (eBooks)
Children’s Exploration History (eBooks)
Children’s Western American Historical Fiction (eBooks)
Here is what some readers are saying on Goodreads.
“This children’s book is a good example of an important message mixed within an interesting story. The illustrations are spot on with the story, allowing the message to shine and enhance a child’s entertainment. The only question… Will there be more stories with Cowboy Cooper to follow?”
– Kelly Knapp
“Cute book with a moral message children can understand. Illustrations are sweet and not scary. My grandchildren liked this book.”
– Lisa Hurst
“This was very cute and fun to read. I can’t think of a better way to reach kids about stealing and preserving history!”
– EstephBooks
Cowboy Cooper #1 & #22 in Canada
A surprise update from North of the Border
The Cowboy Cooper paperback book reached #22 in Children’s Books on the History of Exploration & Discoveries & #1 in the Hot New Releases sub category in that format.
Ben St. James 