Paola Opal reads Ollie from her Simply Small Series, designed for little ones with growing minds. Ollie is a baby elephant who wants to help Mommy build a path through the forest. A story about learning to be a big helper.
A Valentine’s Gift for You

As a thank you to fans of the Simply Small series, I’m giving away FREE Valentine’s cards to print and share with those you love.
Click the link below to access the PDF, then save it to your computer.
TIPS: For best results print in colour on letter size card stock, then cut along the guides. Use the back of the card to address who it’s for.
Vancouver Christmas Market

Find my Simply Small books along with holiday cheer at the Vancouver Christmas Market. Stop by the Itty Bitty Bookshop booth to enjoy festive fun and discover children’s books by local authors like me!
NOV 13 – DEC 24
Jack Poole Plaza
Beside the Vancouver Convention Centre
Save the Date: Oct 5!
Special Event at Crescent Beach Gallery

THREE LITTLE BIRDIES
Join me on October 5 from 1-4 pm at the Crescent Beach Gallery for a collaborative art show featuring my work along with work from Jeanie Tang and Ashley Tong.
My children’s books (under pen name Paola Opal) will also be available there, and free colouring pages for the littles!
Opening Reception
1 – 4 PM on October 5th, 2025
Crescent Beach Gallery
12160 Beecher Street, Surrey BC
Show runs October 4th to 18th, 2025
12 – 4 PM
Wednesdays
Fridays
Saturdays
Sundays
Special hours for the Culture Crawl
October 4 and 5th from 10AM to 5 PM
More about the work and the artists at paolasyme.com
Paola Opal Reads Cheera
Cheera is a baby cheetah who loves to run and play and has a hard time settling down for a nap. But, by the end of the book Cheera finally finds a way to get some rest. A purrrfect read for littles on their way to sleep.
Cheera is the latest release in the Simply Small series, which now has over a dozen books. Each one is about a baby animal who finds a clever solution to their not-so-small problem. The books can be read in any order and are suited for both boys and girls.
Paola Opal Reads Saffy
Saffy is a baby giraffe too short to reach even the lowest branches of the tree. Mommy offers to pick her a leaf to eat, but Saffy wants to get her own. Will she find a way?
Saffy is the first story of the Simply Small series, which now has over a dozen more books. Each one is about a baby animal who finds a clever solution to their not-so-small problem. The books can be read in any order and are suited for both boys and girls.
In Person at Word Vancouver
September 16, 2023 at Robson Square
Join me along with other local authors and illustrators at Word Vancouver, a FREE festival to celebrate books! It’s a great opportunity to connect with real, live, local creators. Not only can you discover local hidden gems but you can also feel good about supporting local talent.
I will be at the Books of the Pandemic table from 10-11 AM at the UBC building in Robson Square, presenting Spookie and Tecka, two books from my Simply Small Series that were released during the early days of the pandemic.
And, I’ll have free Simply Small craft kits and free colouring pages to give out while quantities last!
Paola Opal Reads Bitsy
One of 21 Amazing Holiday Gift Ideas for Babies and Toddlers
– Canadian Family Magazine (Today’s Parent)
*** Recommended Read ***
– CTTC
Sunday, May 7, 2023 at 9:30 AM
AT KINDER BOOKS

Local author/illustrator Paola Opal reads from her Simply Small board book series for ages 0-4. Bold and bright, each one is about a cute baby animal that solves a problem young children can relate to.
FREE FOR EVERYONE
Register at Kinderbooks.ca
Kinder Books
101 – 810 Quayside Dr.
New Westminster, BC
(Story time will take place upstairs in the main foyer by the Circus School. Children must be accompanied by caregiver.)

Enter to win an adorable Simply Small cotton tote bag. Perfect for storing Simply Small books!
Fill out a contest entry form in person at Kinder Books. Contest ends May 7, 2023. Winner will be notified by email.
