Countdown: 7 Weeks. We’re counting down to the release the first of the Byways books, my new children’s series. Each week, there’ll be sketches, excerpts, and explanations. Today, it’s my pleasure to introduce the Johns family’s eldest son—Ewan.

Ewan Johns is a slow and steady young man—law-abiding, honorable, and polite. He works as a bookkeeper in his father’s company and is called boring by his youngest brother.

■ Ewan inherited his father’s looks—tall and slender, with a beaky nose. He also has the Johns family eyes and hair.
■ His mother’s name was Frederica, and Ewan is like her in ways that you can’t see, like his shyness and artistic talent. The silk lining in Ewan’s cloak is purple because it was his mother’s favorite color.
■ Ewan never goes anywhere without his journal, which is filled with both words and sketches. He often adds drawings to the postcards he sends home.

Byways, Book #1: On Your Marks
releases July 4, 2014

Series Summary: Ian Johns is the founder of the postal system in the land of Liberty. Twice widowed, he has three sons, all half-brothers, and the boys don’t get along. In order to help them bond, Ian plans a tour of the country in the hopes that travel will bring them closer together. But somehow, the plan is twisted around, and the trip becomes a race.
Age Range: These books are geared for young readers who are ready for their very first chapter books (K-2).

Last Time: Ganix the Scamp
Next Time: Zane the Rebel