The Blue Wagon by Karen R. Sullivan: A Gentle Tale of Treasures, Burdens, and Kindness

“A children’s story with a heart for adults too, The Blue Wagon reminds us all that burdens grow lighter when kindness is shared.”

Galloway, Ohio — Karen R. Sullivan’s debut children’s book, The Blue Wagon, is more than a story about rocks in a wagon—it’s a symbolic journey through the joys and challenges of childhood. Combining imaginative storytelling with meaningful lessons, Sullivan delivers a book designed to entertain, teach, and resonate across generations.

Heather, the young main character, finds treasures throughout her day, each one adding to the weight of her wagon. With guidance from her mother and kindness from Mr. Wiggledimp, she learns that the loads we carry—whether rocks or worries—shape our lives but also teach us resilience.

“I believe children need more than entertainment,” Sullivan explains. “They also need stories that make them think about the world. This book sets the tone for my future work, where I hope to inspire both joy and reflection.”

Key Features:

Genre: Picture book with allegorical depth.

Style: Clear, simple language that children understand, layered with metaphor for adults.

Characters: Heather symbolizes curiosity; Mr. Wiggledimp represents kindness and intergenerational wisdom.

Praised by editors, writers, and young readers alike, The Blue Wagon is described as fun, beautiful, and memorable—especially for its kindly neighbor character. Sullivan is already working on future projects that expand on these themes.

Karen R. Sullivan lives in Galloway, Ohio, where she draws inspiration from childhood memories and the belief that stories should spark both joy and thought. Her influences include Max Lucado and many children’s authors who use metaphor to connect with young readers. The Blue Wagon is her first step into a broader journey of writing for children and the “inner child” in us all.