Picture a storyteller who swapped microscopes for magic, crafting whimsical tales that make vegetables heroic—meet Laurel Decher! A former epidemiologist turned children’s author, Decher spins enchanting stories in her Seven Kingdoms Fairy Tale series, blending fairy-tale charm with everyday problem-solving. From her home in Germany, she invites young readers to find magic in the ordinary, proving adventures can start anywhere, even a library.
Decher’s tales are a delightful mix of humor, heart, and clever twists, perfect for kids aged 9 to 12 who’ve devoured Magic Treehouse and crave something fresh. Her unique perspective, shaped by a life of science and storytelling, makes her a standout in middle-grade fiction.
The Making of Laurel Decher
Born in the United States, Laurel Decher once dreamed of a quiet life in Vermont, but adventure called her to Germany, where she now lives near a medieval chapel and a spooky boundary tree. Her background as an epidemiologist honed her knack for spotting patterns, a skill she now uses to weave intricate plots. As a shy child who avoided the classroom pencil sharpener, Decher found her voice through writing, inspired by her own struggles to speak up and the vibrant German castles around her.
Her pivot to writing came after years in science, fueled by a love for stories that spark creativity. Joining Toastmasters helped her conquer her fears, and soon, she was crafting tales that encourage kids to embrace their own courage and ingenuity.
Laurel Decher’s Unforgettable Stories
Decher’s Seven Kingdoms Fairy Tale series is a whimsical world where princesses save castles, princes get lost, and dragons cause delightful chaos. Her debut, Trouble With Parsnips, follows Sybil #8, a nameless princess who must find her voice to save her kingdom. Readers love its quirky details—like goldfish-filled moats and dessert-carrying sluices—earning praise for its humor and heart.
Lost With Leeks, the second book, tracks Prince Nero, a directionally challenged hero tasked with rescuing St. Nicholas. Its playful tone and vivid settings, inspired by Rhine Valley castles, make it a fan favorite. Under Pressure With a Squash introduces twins Saffy and Magellan, tackling dragon-sized problems with math and archery. Decher’s stories shine with zany adventures, relatable characters, and themes of resilience, leadership, and collaboration, all wrapped in a fairy-tale glow.
Her style is fast-paced and funny, blending magical challenges with practical skills. Decher’s love for the absurd—like cranky queens and renegade cupids—keeps readers giggling, while her German-inspired settings add a fairy-tale authenticity that feels both timeless and fresh.
Why Laurel Decher Matters
Laurel Decher’s work resonates because it celebrates the underdog—kids who feel unseen or unsure but discover their own magic. Her stories empower young readers to tackle big challenges, whether it’s speaking up or navigating a new school, making her a quiet force in middle-grade literature. By rooting her tales in real-world skills and German folklore, she bridges cultures and inspires creativity.
Though not a household name, Decher’s growing fanbase cherishes her ability to make ordinary moments extraordinary. Her books are a reminder that magic isn’t just in fairy tales—it’s in the courage to try something new, a lesson that lingers long after the last page.
- Key Works: Trouble With Parsnips, Lost With Leeks, Under Pressure With a Squash, Trouble at the Valentine Factory
- Genre: Middle-grade fantasy
- Inspiration: German castles, personal experiences, epidemiology
Ready to dive into a world where vegetables save the day and dragons spark laughter? Grab Trouble With Parsnips and let Laurel Decher’s whimsical tales whisk you away!