Rider's
Magic Mark
Join Rider on a magical adventure where friendship grows, courage shines, and being uniquely YOU becomes your greatest strength!
Meet the characters
Each character brings a unique voice, personality, and perspective to Rider's world, creating opportunities for children to recognize their own strengths and celebrate the magic within themselves and others.
Rider has always wondered why he was born with a special birthmark on his arm. When it suddenly begins to change, he discovers it isn't just a mark--it holds a magical secret. As Rider follows clues with his best friends, he learns that what makes us different may be our greatest strength.
Cameron sees the world differently. With her sketchbook always close by, she uses her imagination and creativity to capture the beauty and strengths she sees in others. Her art reminds everyone that creativity can help us discover the magic that's already inside us.
Cooper has a special gift for seeing the best in others. He notices strengths that people may not see in themselves and encourages everyone to believe in their own unique abilities. His caring heart and positive spirit inspire others to shine.
Jensen is confident, adventurous, and always willing to try something new. She faces challenges with determination, encourages others to be brave, and reminds her friends that courage isn't about never being afraid--it's about believing in yourself and taking the next step. Her fearless spirit inspires those around her to be brave in their own unique way.
Tripp is full of laughter, energy, and unforgettable stories. His playful spirit has a way of bringing people together, turning ordinary moments into joyful adventures. He reminds everyone that laughter is a gift worth sharing.
Kash has a heart that seems to know exactly when someone needs a friend. He listens with kindness, notices feelings others might miss, and always makes people feel valued and cared for. His gentle spirit teaches everyone that empathy is a powerful kind of magic--one that can brighten someone's day and make them feel like they belong.
Author of Rider's Magic Mark
Meet the author
Dr. Tisha Shipley is an educator, author, and lifelong advocate for children. With more than 25 years of experience in early childhood and elementary education, Dr. Shipley has dedicated her career to helping children discover their strengths, celebrate their differences, and feel confident in who they are.
As a professor of Early Childhood Education, she brings her passion for social-emotional learning, developmentally appropriate practice, and inclusive classrooms into everything she creates. Rider's Magic Mark was inspired by the belief that what makes us different can also be what makes us extraordinary.
Listen in for conversations about early childhood education, gratitude, confidence, and helping every child discover their strengths.
Illustrator of Rider's Magic Mark
Meet the illustrator
Chandrani Das is a children's book illustrator who loves bringing stories and characters to life through both traditional and digital art. She has been drawing since childhood and has worked professionally as an illustrator for the past five years, with more than 25 children's books illustrated so far.
She enjoys exploring different illustration styles and mediums, from playful and whimsical children's artwork to detailed semi-realistic illustrations. One of her favorite parts of the process is creating expressive faces, playful poses, emotions, and little details that make each scene feel alive.
Chandrani feels grateful to collaborate with wonderful authors and be part of their storytelling journeys. It was a joy to illustrate Rider's Magic Mark, and she hopes her illustrations add warmth, emotion, and a little extra magic to this beautiful story.
On the road with Rider
Follow the journey and revisit the places where readers, families, and educators have gathered to celebrate every child's unique magic mark.
New signing locations and school appearances will be announced here.
Location to be announcedSigning photos, locations, and memories will appear here as the gallery grows.
Invite Dr. Shipley to your school
Each experience is thoughtfully designed to support Social Emotional Learning, encourage children to recognize their strengths, celebrate what makes them unique, and build confidence through connection and conversation.
Every visit can be customized to meet your students' needs, learning goals, and school culture.
Gratitude Extras
A curated set of quick resource links to support conversations about differences, gratitude, positive thinking, and the magic children bring into the world.
Teacher Toolkit
A selective library of curriculum, classroom pages, certificates, poems, reflection cards, coloring pages, and gratitude activities can open whenever teachers need it.
Open the toolkit to choose individual worksheets, poems, certificates, reflection cards, and teacher encouragement pieces. No one has to download everything at once.
Teacher's Toolkit
Every resource is optional, so teachers and families can grab the exact printable that fits the moment.
New book
Bring the magic home
A heartwarming adventure about friendship, gratitude, courage, and discovering that what makes you different may be your greatest strength.