By: Rhiannon Frater

What makes a children’s book memorable? Is it the fun illustrations that catch a child’s

eye? Or maybe it is the captivating storytelling with a profound message meticulously woven.

With “The Adventures of Kazu and Gil,” both things are true. Author Jennifer Faus

comes together with illustrator Jemima Ida to bring a beautiful story of two young cousins and the family that surrounds them. The narrative conveys messages of acceptance and love, and the illustrations paint beautiful pictures everywhere in between.

In this charming story, Kazu, a lively four-year-old, enjoys his Saturdays at his cousin Gil’s house. When the weekends come around, Kazu escapes his all-girls household to engage in various activities at Gil’s all-boys household. Each Saturday is filled with adventures as Kazu helps Gil with gardening, cleaning the pool, painting the shed, and washing the dog. The narrative humorously contrasts Kazu’s excitement with Gil’s eventual exhaustion, culminating in a heartwarming depiction of familial bonds and the joys of teamwork. Love comes in all shapes and sizes, and Kazu and Gil help the reader appreciate that just because something is different, it doesn’t mean it can’t also be great.

“Gil’s Favorite Day” is the first book in this young children’s book series centered around finding joy in the everyday. The second book will be released in summer 2025, “The Adventures of Kazu and Gil: Fun with Homonyms.” With his usual joie de vivre, Kazu opens the book super-excited to share something new he’s learned, saying:

“Did you know many words sound the same but are spelled differently and have different meanings?! Crazy! Right?! Look! I’ll show you!”

And before you know it, Kazu is off bouncing through the alphabet, showing how words with different spellings and meanings can sound the same—crazy! Right?  Spun with the same humor and affection as “Gil’s Favorite Day,” “Fun with Homonyms” brings beginning readers on an educational adventure with Kazu and Gil. Whether your goal is to teach children or entertain them with a fun bedtime story, this book is one kids will be asking for again and again.

About the author: Jennifer Faus is known for in-depth research and interviews that bring the voices of those whose stories go unheard to the public. Her work has been hailed as “extraordinary and poignant” (Paul Greengrass), and she has been described as an “insightful, highly skilled writer who effortlessly lifts us again after sending us crashing to the ground emotionally” (Brenna Briggs). Initially conceived in 2007 during the loss of one of their own, Jennifer’s family reflected on the joy they experienced during this tough time. In telling their story, the idea for Kazu and Gil was born. She did not set out to write a children’s book series, but six books in, she knew she had something very special and wanted to share Kazu and Gil’s zest for living and joy in everyday life with other families. Jennifer is delighted to see Kazu and Gil come to life finally—a book series, long in coming, is finally here! You can follow Kazu and Gil on Instagram @kazu_and_gil.

About the Illustrator: Jemima Ida is a graphic designer and illustrator who enjoys working on thoughtful, story-driven projects. Her work spans children’s books, brand identities, and editorial design, often blending illustration and design to bring ideas to life. She is especially drawn to visuals that carry emotion or tell a quiet story, and she aims to create work that feels personal, intentional, and easy to connect with. You can follow her on Instagram @art.jemsey.

There are many challenges to being an author, especially regarding the competitive landscape of children’s books. In 2024, Jennifer Faus met Jemima Ida, and they clicked. They say that good things come with time, and this partnership was worth the wait. With six books already in production, this talented duo is poised to captivate young readers for years. Like their young stars, Kazu and Gil, Jennifer and Jemima’s world is joy-filled and bright with opportunity. Each sentence and picture shows young readers that different is good.