I'm excited to announce that author Ellie Moss is joining us for a blog tour of her children's book, Dibs the Dragon and the Marshmallow Rescue. This book is perfect for bedtime reading, classroom read-alouds, and any child who loves dragons, magical worlds, and heartwarming friendships. Join us as we celebrate the launch of her book and interview the author about her book, writing journey, and more. You'll also have the chance to win a copy for yourself.
Before we get to that, here's more about her book:
How does a bubble-blowing dragon make his very first friend?
In the magical land of Lickitypop, Dibs the Dragon hears a tiny cry for help from the sticky syrup swamp and discovers Mooch, a marshmallow mole who is very, very stuck. With a licorice vine, a bit of bravery, and a whole lot of heart, Dibs leaps into action—and begins a friendship that will change everything.
This gentle, whimsical picture book is filled with kindness, imagination, and cozy read-aloud moments that celebrate the joy of helping others and the magic of making friends.
Whether you're a parent, teacher, librarian, or cozy-color enthusiast, this sweet story is sure to become a beloved favorite on your shelf—and a magical introduction to the Lickitypop series.
Publisher: Lickitypop Press
ISBN-10: 1970978015
ISBN-13: 978-1970978001
ASIN: B0GBQW11YV
Print length: 32 pages
Purchase a copy of Dibs the Dragon & the Marshmallow Rescue on Amazon, Be sure to also add it to your GoodReads reading list.
About the Author, Ellie Moss
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Ellie Moss is the creator of Lickitypop, an imaginative, candy-colored universe where jellybean forests shimmer, bubble scooters zoom through cotton-candy skies, and problems are solved with courage, connection, and a sticky SPLAT.
What began as an escape during a difficult chapter in her life quickly grew into a world that helped her find softness, hope, and joy again.
Her stories blend whimsy with emotional care: pastel illustrations designed for calm, playful sound words that encourage speech development, and gentle characters who model resilience, kindness, and friendship.
Ellie believes deeply that stories can be a form of healing for little readers discovering the world, and for grown-ups rediscovering their breath. Through Lickitypop, she invites families to step into a place where imagination is soothing, feelings are welcome, and magic is something we all deserve.
You can follow the author at:
Her website: https://www.lickitypop.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lickitypop/
---- Interview by Nicole Pyles
WOW: Congrats on your first book in the Lickitypop series! How did this series come to life for you?
Ellie: Thank you! I built Lickitypop during a season when life felt heavy, and I realized I wanted to create the kind of world I wished existed.
For most of my adult life, I was high-functioning. I was capable, productive, carrying responsibility, solving problems and by all external measures, I was doing well. But I was always “on.” There was no natural downshift. Rest felt like something I had to earn.
I began to understand that functioning well isn’t the same as feeling well.
When I couldn’t find the kind of gentleness I needed, I decided to create it.
Lickitypop became a world with no sharp edges. Wherever you land, it’s soft. The hills are gumdrops. The clouds are cotton candy. Even the challenges are wrapped in fizz and sparkle. But the softness isn’t just visual - it’s foundational.
In Lickitypop, kindness, empathy, and courage aren’t lessons to be learned. They’re simply part of the air. When Dibs sees Mooch stuck in the syrup swamp, he doesn’t hesitate, he helps. Not for a reward. Not to learn a moral. That’s just who he is.
Lickitypop is built on goodness as the default, not the destination.
WOW: I love that the softness of the world is built in. You've created such a colorful, lively universe! What kind of planning and preparation happened before you wrote?
Ellie: I was very intentional about the emotional architecture of Lickitypop, especially because I needed it to feel like a sanctuary.
Before writing, I decided what this world would stand on. I wanted a universe where compassion isn’t a twist ending and where goodness isn’t earned after someone behaves badly.
The books have layers, but they don’t preach.
There’s no moral hammer at the end. The characters already embody the values we hope to see - they help, they forgive, they include, they rest. Growth happens through experience, not punishment.
I wanted children to absorb empathy and courage the way they absorb color, naturally.
Lickitypop doesn’t lecture. It models.
WOW: What a great lesson! Why did you decide to write a children's book?
Ellie: Children’s books are one of the few places where you’re allowed to be sincere. There’s no irony and no performance you can simply be kind and imaginative.
And while adults can seek support: call a friend, drive somewhere quiet, ask for help, children don’t have that same autonomy. Their world is smaller. Their comfort comes from what’s close by: the tone of a room, a familiar story, a safe rhythm.
If building this gentle world helped steady me during a hard time, I wanted to offer that same contained, comforting space to children. A place they can return to again and again.
Children’s books shape the inner voice early. I wanted that voice to whisper kindness, courage, and softness.
WOW: I love how you described it as close-by comfort. Who do you hope reads these books? And what do you hope they take away from this series?
Ellie: I hope children read them especially those navigating big feelings in small bodies. I hope the predictability of the world allows them to explore deeper themes without fear or urgency.
But I also write with adults in mind.
Each book ends with a soft poem. On the surface, it’s written in childlike language but it’s intentionally layered. It’s a gentle reminder for the grown-up holding the book, too. A nudge toward rest, perspective, and compassion.
If readers take away anything, I hope it’s this: kindness is strength. You don’t have to be the loudest or the fastest to matter.
WOW: I totally agree! Kindness is strength. I love how you said even adults find enjoyment in these books! Why do you think adults are drawn to books for children?
Ellie: Children’s books are distilled truth. They strip away complexity and speak directly to the heart.
Adults live under layers of pressure, performance, and responsibility. A children’s book offers something simple and honest : friendship, courage, belonging. It’s nostalgic, yes, but it’s also grounding.
In Lickitypop, there’s permission to slow down. To be gentle. To feel without performing.
Choosing a slower pace isn’t opting out of life. Sometimes it’s how you stay in it.
WOW: Great insight. What lessons have you learned along the way while creating these books?
Ellie: I’ve learned that creativity is healing. You don’t have to feel completely ready to begin something meaningful.
I’ve also learned that building a series requires patience and consistency. Inspiration is wonderful but structure sustains it.
Most of all, I’ve learned that softness is not weakness. It’s intentional strength.
WOW: So true. What are you working on you can tell us about?
Ellie: Lickitypop is expanding. There are multiple books in the series exploring themes like courage, rest, sharing, emotional regulation, and self-belief- all within this soft, whimsical world.
I’m also growing Lickitypop beyond the page through school visits and interactive materials that bring the characters into children’s everyday lives.
This is just the beginning. Lickitypop is a growing universe and I’m committed to building it with the same gentleness it was born from.
WOW: How exciting! Thank you for your time today. And I hope you enjoy the blog tour!
--- Blog Tour Calendar
March 9 @ The Muffin
Join us at the Muffin as we celebrate the blog tour launch for Dibs the Dragon and the Marshmallow Rescue by Ellie Moss. We interview the author and give you a chance to win a copy of her charming children's book.
March 10 @ What Is That Book About
Visit Michelle's blog for her feature of Dibs the Dragon and the Marshmallow Rescue by Ellie Moss.
March 13 @ Chapter Break
Stop by Julie's blog for her review of Dibs the Dragon and the Marshmallow Rescue by Ellie Moss. She's also sharing a guest post by the author about how to write for children without talking down to them.
March 15 @ The Shaggy Shepherd
Visit Isabelle's Instagram page for her review of Dibs the Dragon and the Marshmallow Rescue by Ellie Moss.
March 17 @ Words by Webb
Stop by Jodi's blog for her review of Dibs the Dragon and the Marshmallow Rescue by Ellie Moss.
March 20 @ Lisa's Reading
Join Lisa's blog for her review of Dibs the Dragon and the Marshmallow Rescue by Ellie Moss.
March 25 @ A Wonderful World of Words
Visit Ellie's blog for experts from Dibs the Dragon and the Marshmallow Rescue by Ellie Moss.
March 27 @ Words From the Heart
Linda shares her thoughts about Dibs the Dragon and the Marshmallow Rescue by Ellie Moss.
March 27 @ Musings From a Literary Wanderer
Stop by Angela's blog for her review of Dibs the Dragon and the Marshmallow Rescue by Ellie Moss.
March 30 @ A Storybook World
Visit Deirdre's blog for a guest post by Ellie Moss about why gentle stories matter in a loud world.
April 2 @ Author Anthony Avina's Blog
Visit Anthony's blog for his review of Dibs the Dragon and the Marshmallow Rescue by Ellie Moss.
https://www.authoranthonyavina.comApril 2 @ Just Katherine
Stop by Katherine's blog for her review of Dibs the Dragon and the Marshmallow Rescue by Ellie Moss. She also shares her response to our tour prompt about what makes a story a "repeat read" in her house.
April 3 @ Nicole Writes About Stuff
Ellie Moss is a guest on Nicole's weekly feature, Your Weekend Care Package.
https://nicolepyles.substack.com
Dibs the Dragon & the Marshmallow Rescue Giveaway
April 4 @ Author Anthony Avina's Blog
Anthony shares a guest post by the author about why not every children's book needs a villain.
April 5 @ Sarandipity
Join Sara for her review of Dibs the Dragon and the Marshmallow Rescue by Ellie Moss.
April 7 @ World of My Imagination
Stop by Nicole's blog for her review of Dibs the Dragon and the Marshmallow Rescue by Ellie Moss.
April 10 @ Jill Sheets' blog
Stop by Jill's blog for her interview with Ellie Moss.
***** BOOK GIVEAWAY *****
Enter to win a print copy of Dibs the Dragon & the Marshmallow Rescue by Ellie Moss. Fill out the form below for a chance to win! The giveaway ends on March 22nd at 11:59 pm CT. We will randomly draw a winner the next day and follow up via email. Good luck!
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