By Sabrina Novacov
Today we’re delighted to sit down with author Courtney Cino, whose heartfelt children’s stories invite readers into worlds of hope, empowerment, and resilience. With her books Finally Home and The Lights That Stay, Courtney’s writing blends emotional topics with a warmth that feels both personal and universal, drawing little readers in from the very first page. In this interview, we’ll talk about the inspiration behind her books, her journey as an author, and upcoming books in store! Join us as we learn more about the heart behind her words and the stories that continue to inspire.
Q: What inspired you to write Finally Home and was there a specific moment or experience that motivated you to share this story with readers?
A: We’re out of the military now, but my husband was a Navy flight surgeon and deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan while we were stationed at Cherry Point in NC. Those deployments—and especially the homecoming days—left such an impression on me. I remember waiting for hours at the hangar until we got word the squadron was about to land. Every homecoming day was filled with excitement, nerves, and joy. We did not have children at the time, but I always watched all the little ones running around in the hangar, waiting with anticipation. One of my good friends had a baby while her husband was deployed, and I was there the moment her husband met the little boy for the first time. I wanted to capture that relatable mix of emotions, honor the resilience of military children, and also shine a light for non-military families who may know little about this tradition. There are about 1.7M children who have parents serving in the military, yet military children are underrepresented in children’s literature. By presenting them as part of a universal experience - reuniting with a loved one - we were able to craft a poignant reunion story while highlighting a military family.
Q: Finally Home is centered around deployment, a heartfelt tribute to the strength of military members, and reuniting with loved ones in the military. How do you approach
sensitive topics like these in a way that’s understandable to children?
A: I start with feelings children recognize—missing someone you love, counting the days, and the joy of a long-awaited hug. By grounding the story in universal emotions, kids can connect without needing to understand every detail of military life. We also decided to narrate the story from the point of view of Sara, a 7-year-old girl, so that readers can connect with her and see her as a friend or peer from school. My goal was to create a book that comforts families experiencing deployment while also giving non-military children a window into the sacrifices and strength of military families.
Q: Your book The Lights That Stay follows a child’s journey whose inner light grows and transforms. Who inspired this book, and what lessons do you hope kids take from reading it?
A: This book was inspired by conversations with my three girls about resilience. They are all growing and changing and going through different challenges. They experience the world in
unique ways, and yet they all have a grace and the power to overcome hurdles and tackle new things. All children do. I wanted them and all children to know that no matter what changes around them, they carry a unique light inside that will guide them through. My hope is that children reading it feel empowered and reassured—that their light might flicker or change shape, but it never disappears. Throughout the book, the child’s inner light is compared to sunlight - another light source that is always there, even when you can’t see it. This growth-mindset book has become popular as a graduation and birthday gift for girls.
Q: What was the most exciting and/or challenging part of telling these stories in a way that resonates with children?
A: The exciting part is translating something big—like military deployment or inner strength—into a story children can truly see themselves in. The challenge is in the details. With Finally Home, for instance, we wanted the uniforms and the F-35 jet to be as accurate as possible, which took some learning for both me and my illustrator. But the heart of the challenge is always balance: making it simple enough for a child, yet layered enough to spark conversations for families.
Q: What advice would you give to other writers or anyone hoping to support the military families?
A: For writers, I’d say lean into the stories you know—your lived experiences carry so much power. Don’t be afraid to write about the hard or tender topics; children’s books can handle big emotions when written with care. For those looking to support military families, even small gestures mean a lot—listening, offering help, or simply recognizing their unique sacrifices. And regardless of someone’s political affiliations, remember that the families are serving along with the service member, and they do not choose the mission. Offering empathy and small acts of kindness to these family members can go a long way in making them feel supported.
Q: What projects/books are next in store for you?
A: My next picture book, Arlo Needs Your Help, releases in May 2026. It’s an interactive story that invites kids to care for the environment in playful, meaningful ways. Beyond that, I’m working on additional picture books that continue to explore themes of resilience and creativity. My small press, Whimspire Books, will also open up to author submissions in late 2026.
Biography: Cortney Cino is a picture book author and mom to three girls (including twins). She has a passion for writing stories that inspire or make the reader giggle. Finally Home is her fourth picture book and her most personal to date. She leans heavily on her own experience as a military spouse —her husband, a Navy flight surgeon, deployed just a month after their engagement and again a month after their wedding. Stationed in North Carolina, their time in the military left them with lasting connections and cherished memories. Finally Home is a heartfelt tribute to service members and their families. When she's not writing or working in healthcare marketing, Cortney can be found hanging out with her daughters or exploring the beauty of the Sierra Nevada mountains. She lives in Sacramento, CA, with her husband and children
Instagram: @whimspirebooks
Spousely Shop Link: https://spouse-ly.com/store/Whimspire-Books/
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