About the Bethanne Series
Bethanne is a heartwarming children’s series that celebrates curiosity, friendship, and the magic that surrounds us. Set in the enchanting Scottish countryside, the stories follow Bethanne, a young witch in training, as she learns to use her gifts under the gentle guidance of her grandmother, Granny Lilly, a wise and kind-hearted witch from the old world.
Bethanne’s world is full of discovery, wonder, and enchantment, with a vibrant circle of friends by her side. Some are drawn from folklore and forest magic, others are human companions, animals, or curious creatures. Each brings their own kind of magic to the story. Some are shy, others bold and full of mischief, but all share Bethanne’s love for adventure and learning.
Written in lyrical rhyme, the Bethanne stories blend imagination and cultural discovery, introducing children to traditions, geography, and the turning of the seasons through gentle tales and playful learning pages. In the first book, Bethanne and the All Hallows’ Eve Ball, readers explore the origins of Halloween in Scotland, the country’s national tree, its treasured wildlife, and the phases of the moon, all woven into Bethanne’s magical adventures.
With themes of family, nature, and imagination, Bethanne encourages young readers to explore the world with curiosity, creativity, and open eyes for the magic that lives in all of us.
The Team Behind the Magic
The Bethanne series was brought to life through the collaboration of author Kris Ivey and illustrator Lori Pacchiano, two creatives united by a shared love of storytelling, imagination, and heart. Together, they have built a world where curiosity, kindness, and culture come alive through lyrical words and enchanting art.
The inspiration for Bethanne began with Kris’s first granddaughter, Aubree, whose silly stories and wonder sparked the idea for a series that celebrates family, learning, and the simple magic found in everyday life. Kris’s words create the rhythm and heart of Bethanne’s adventures, while Lori’s illustrations bring those stories to life in vivid color and warmth.
Through close collaboration, the two shaped every detail of Bethanne’s world, from her cozy Scottish village and whimsical friends to the pages that invite children to dream, learn, and explore. Each book is crafted with care, imagination, and purpose, created to inspire young readers to explore the world with curiosity and imagination.
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IllustratorLori Pacchiano is an author, illustrator, and publicist whose work blends storytelling, art, and heartfelt connection. With a background in entertainment and publishing, she has created award-winning children’s books and campaigns that inspire compassion and resilience.
Her work has appeared on the cover of Bellevue Lifestyle Magazine, and her books—A Frenchie Tail, The Pink Pony Palace, and Dog Beauty Treats: Grooming Dogs with Food—have been featured by Barnes & Noble, NBC, and the LA Times. Lori lives in Washington State with her beloved French Bulldog, Dallas. She dedicates her creative journey to her mother, whose kindness, grace, and unwavering belief in following one’s dreams continue to guide her every day.
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AuthorKris Ivey grew up in the storybook town of Port Townsend, Washington, where foggy mornings, driftwood beaches, and her grandmother’s gentle tales filled her world with wonder. From those early days, storytelling became her compass, a way to explore imagination, celebrate family, and pass down traditions. Still rooted in the Pacific Northwest, Kris now lives among the region’s forests, mountains, and coastal mist, drawing daily inspiration from its quiet magic.
Her lyrical picture books, inspired by the curious minds of her grandchildren, blend themes of kindness, wonder, and cultural discovery. Through playful rhymes and whimsical adventures, Kris introduces young readers to faraway places, meaningful traditions, and the timeless pull of folklore. Her stories encourage children to explore the world with imagination and interest.