Cocoa Bean

A mother-daughter story of discovery

The story behind the story

Cocoa Bean doesn't like his name. It sounds silly. It's strange. It makes him different.

When Cocoa Bean decides to go on a dream adventure to find a better name, he discovers something unexpected instead—the sweet truth about why he is called Cocoa Bean, and the special purpose hidden in his name all along.

This heartwarming story reminds us that what makes us unique is also what makes us wonderful. Join Cocoa Bean on his journey of self-discovery as he learns that sometimes the things we want to change about ourselves are the very things that make us special.

"Cocoa Bean" was born one ordinary night at bedtime. With no planning and nothing prepared, I heard my daughter Harper ask for a story, and the name "Cocoa Bean" simply appeared in my mind.

As the impromptu tale unfolded about a little boy searching for a new name, I never imagined it would become something more. When the story concluded, I connected it to Harper's own name, explaining that her name means "brave" and her middle name means "God is my light." I asked her, "What if your purpose is to be brave and reveal God's light to others?"

Her eyes lit up with wonder, and I felt that rare, beautiful moment of parenting clarity—until she asked about my middle name.

"Gean," I replied.

"JEANS!!!!?!?!?! YOUR PARENTS NAMED YOU AFTER MY PANTS?!?!" she exclaimed, dissolving into fits of laughter.

I thought our profound moment was gone, but the next morning Harper asked if we could turn Cocoa Bean into a real book. Together, we wrote, illustrated, and brought this story to life—a true mother-daughter collaboration that we hope will inspire other families to create their own special tales.
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This book is our invitation to you: embrace what makes you unique, find the meaning in your own story, and perhaps create some new stories of your own.