Children's Author Transforms Everyday Moments into Literary Treasures
For Jacquelene D'Amico, magic isn't found just in fantasy, but it is discovered in the everyday moments spent with her three children exploring the Fredericksburg area. Her debut children's book, The Adventures of Trollee and Alice, emerged from those very moments, transforming imaginative playground games into a heartfelt literary adventure.
The story's origin is charmingly simple. "It all started on a windy and cloudy day. I was playing with my daughter on a playground, pretending to be a snack-deprived troll," D'Amico recalls. That playful game of "Trollee" expanded beyond the playground, eventually welcoming additional characters like Periwinkle, a mischievous dragon with a colorful past of "eating the chickens at Braehead farm and nibbling on naughty boys."
But beneath the whimsy lies a deeper purpose. D'Amico wrote the book during an intensely personal time while her mother was in hospice with only one month left to live. "I began seriously pursuing this dream of creating a children's book" during that period, she shares. The Adventures of Trollee and Alice quickly became a "tribute to the magical power of childhood and the love that lasts beyond this life as it was written during a time of personal grief and spiritual reflection."
As the founder of Smart Cookies Education Services LLC, a reading tutoring company, D'Amico infuses her educational expertise throughout the book. Each chapter highlights virtues like integrity, kindness, and self-confidence, using creative metaphors—such as a volcanic library eruption representing anger—to help children navigate big emotions. The book also features bolded vocabulary words and "Trollee's Guide to Tricky Words," a glossary designed to build reading confidence.
The Fredericksburg area itself plays a starring role in D'Amico's work. Local treasures, including Braehead Farm, the goldfish pond at Chatham, the Central Rappahannock Regional Library, and Gari Melchers' Belmont Home and Studio, all influenced the narrative, either appearing directly or inspiring scenes throughout the book.
Her writing schedule reflects the reality of parenting three children. "I would write during naptimes or start at 4 am before they woke up," she explains—a testament to her dedication and the early-morning quiet that many parents know well.
Beyond writing, D'Amico stays connected to her creative process through art museum visits with her family and engaging with local authors and businesses. She calls The Mount her church family, and her love of art continues to shape her work.
When it comes to favorite local spots, D'Amico can hardly choose just one, enthusiastically listing The Book Market FXBG, Tales and Tails Book Café, Du Jardin Home and Garden, Jabberwocky Children's Books and Toys, The Grounds Bistro and Café, Gari Melchers' Belmont, and Art Cart Kids as must-visit destinations.
Through The Adventures of Trollee and Alice, D'Amico has created something rare: a book that entertains readers (both young and old), educates, and honors "the moments that truly matter—those quiet, playful times that often go unnoticed but are filled with eternal love."
Want to connect with Jacquelene? Check out her website jacquelenedamico.com, where you’ll find fun author events, behind-the-scenes inspiration, and more. You can also follow her on Instagram @author_jacquelene_damico and facebook.com/trolleeandalice.
