Once Upon a Life: Lessons Learned from a Modern Fairy Tale

Too many children’s stories still teach the wrong lesson.

Girls are waiting to be rescued.

Boys are praised for being brave but never vulnerable.

Families that look a certain way and values that feel stuck in another time.

Despite all the progress we’ve made, far too many fairy tales still tell our kids who they should be instead of helping them discover who they are.

That’s exactly what author and nurse practitioner Amy Hawk set out to change with her debut children’s adventure, The Tales of Rumpus—a modern fairy tale filled with fierce girls, loyal friendships, and wisdom that speaks to both kids and parents.

“I wanted a story where girls didn’t have to wait to be saved,” says Amy.
“I wanted something different—something that felt real, even in a fantasy world.”

A Real-Life Hero with a Story to Tell

Amy Hawk’s own story reads like a novel.

She is a Missouri-born nurse practitioner with a passion for healing and storytelling. Now based in Florida, Amy balances her full-time role in emergency medicine with running her own medical practice and still making time to bring a lifelong dream to life.

“I wrote my first short story in high school,” she recalls, “but it wasn’t until my niece was born in 1998 that this idea took root. I wanted to write a story for her—one where she could see herself as the hero.”

The Story That Breaks the Mold

Hawk’s The Tales of Rumpus follows Princess Caitlin, a bold young royal who defies tradition by deciding she will take the throne—and prove it. To do so, she embarks on a brave quest called “The Coming,” something no girl has done before. Joined by the well-traveled Kat, Caitlin faces magical creatures, strange lands, and powerful new friendships that shape her journey—and herself.

From talking animals to mysterious dragons and enchanted realms, the adventure bursts with action, laughter, and heart. But it’s the deeper themes that sparks the discussions on identity, courage, family, and the strength that comes from within.

“This book is fun, colorful, and exciting,” Amy says.
“But it also says something important: girls can lead, friendships matter, and families come in all forms.”

She wanted to change that narrative—to give her niece and girls everywhere a story where they could see themselves as the hero, not just a supporting character.

What sets The Tales of Rumpus apart isn’t just its imaginative world—it’s the life on every page. Raised in a loving adoptive family, Amy brings her deep belief that family is about love, not blood. That message echoes through the characters, who create their own “village” as they journey through Rumpus together.

Amy also poured in her own values—hard work, resilience, the thrill of travel, and the importance of self-discovery. Over the years, she revised and refined the book, layering in life experience without losing the spark that inspired it.

“At first, the story was more cautious—more fearful,” she shares.
“But as I grew bolder, so did the characters. I wanted kids to feel that bravery in themselves.”

Although it’s a children’s book, The Tales of Rumpus has cross-generational charm. Parents connect with the story’s reflections on family, compromise, and raising strong kids. Children are enchanted by the humor, talking animals, and colorful illustrations that bring the fantasy world to life.

One reviewer captured it best:

“This book was so fun and thought-provoking. The voice of the author was like spending an evening with her!”

Amy’s favorite feedback was a photo of a child completely absorbed in the story. “That,” she says, “means everything.”

What’s Next in the World of Rumpus?

Amy is already working on a second installment, focusing on another character from the Rumpus world. As a storyteller, she’s just getting started. And as a nurse, she continues to balance saving lives with bringing stories to life.

Amy hopes that The Tales of Rumpus will sit on nightstands across the country—not just as a storybook, but as a guide.

“Be open to new experiences. Appreciate what you have. Trust yourself,” Amy says.
“That’s what I want kids to take away.”