Karen R. Sullivan’s The Blue Wagon: A Story Where Childhood Meets Wisdom

“Childhood is filled with treasures, some heavy, some light. In The Blue Wagon, author Karen R. Sullivan shows how even the smallest discoveries carry the greatest meaning.”

Galloway, Ohio — With her new book The Blue Wagon, Karen R. Sullivan invites readers into a story that is as playful as it is thoughtful. Heather’s treasure hunt becomes a parable about burdens, kindness, and the need for adults to truly listen to children.

As Heather collects rocks in her blue wagon, she grows tired from the weight. Her mother later explains that just as children pull wagons, adults pull worries. The lesson is simple but powerful: everyone carries burdens, and everyone needs kindness to lighten the load.

“I wanted to bring back the feel of my own childhood,” Sullivan shares. “Children today face so many worries. This book is a way to give them joy, while also encouraging adults to understand the world through a child’s eyes.”

Key Features:

Audience: Written for children ages 6–8, but equally appealing to the “inner child” in readers of all ages.

Emotion: Balances lighthearted treasure hunting with deep lessons about empathy and responsibility.

Influence: Inspired by Max Lucado and figures like Mr. Rogers, the book combines metaphor and gentle storytelling.

The Blue Wagon is poised to find its way into homes, schools, and libraries as both an engaging children’s story and a teaching tool for parents and educators. Karen R. Sullivan grew up in Ohio with outdoor play and imagination shaping her childhood. Her writing shows that experience, connecting past joys with present challenges. The Blue Wagon is her debut, and she plans to continue writing stories that blend fun, wisdom, and meaningful reflection.