June 2025 Newsletter - Bumblebee Sells Out, CapyFun Expands

🐝 We Sold Out the First Print Run of If a Bumblebee Lands on Your Toe!

By Janet Bruins 

We are thrilled to share some buzz-worthy news—If a Bumblebee Lands on Your Toe has officially sold out its first print run… in under a month! This whimsical and lyrical picture book has captured the hearts of readers everywhere, and thanks to your support, it’s flying off the shelves faster than we imagined.

Written by the talented Cynthia Mackey and brought to life with the luminous illustrations of Vikki Zhang, this book is a joyful ode to wonder, mindfulness, and noticing the natural world around us. The story invites readers to slow down and observe what’s right in front of them—beginning with a curious little bee.

Vikki Zhang, a Chinese artist and illustrator known for her exquisite brushwork and storytelling through visual art, lends her signature elegance and vibrant style to every spread. Her illustrations for this book are nothing short of stunning

	Mackey is a Canadian children's author and former early childhood educator. Her background shines through in every line of this book, which blends lyrical prose with gentle social-emotional themes.
	Vikki Zhang, a Chinese artist and illustrator known for her exquisite brushwork and storytelling through visual art, lends her signature elegance and vibrant style to every spread. Her illustrations for this book are nothing short of stunning.

This title is published by Yeehoo Press, and Picnic Heist has had the immense honor of supporting the book’s marketing and promotional campaign. Sometimes, even when a publisher pours creative vision and energy into developing a truly special book, it needs a bit more help to get the attention it deserves. That’s where we came in—and we couldn’t be more proud.

Cindy and Vikki have gone above and beyond, taking charge of their book’s outreach through bookstore events, social media, interviews, and direct reader engagement. It’s been inspiring to witness their passion and effort behind the scenes.

At Picnic Heist, we’ve been proud to support If a Bumblebee Lands on Your Toe with a range of marketing efforts. We sponsored a Goodreads Giveaway to help generate early buzz, reached out to book reviewers and media outlets, and sent sample copies to independent bookstores along with personalized follow-ups to encourage orders. We also pitched the book to local news outlets in hopes of securing additional coverage and visibility.

Let's Keep the Buzz Going!

And now… we’re helping Yeehoo rush a second print run to Ingram’s warehouse to make sure the book stays available for readers everywhere.

Leave a review on Amazon
If you bought your copy there, even better—but anyone can leave a rating and review. Amazon’s algorithm relies heavily on this data to recommend books to new readers. Every review helps.

Visit your local Barnes & Noble
If they don’t have it in stock, ask a store associate to order it. B&N uses customer demand to determine how many copies to stock in each region. Your local purchase has national impact!

Thank you for being part of this incredible journey. Let’s keep the buzz going so that this beautiful book continues to find its way into readers’ hands year after year.

- Janet

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From Storybook to Shelf: Licensing Opportunities from A Cup of Happy and Capybara Bubble Tea

By Helen Wu

In children’s publishing, a great book isn’t just a story—it’s the seed of a larger universe. As the author, illustrator, and founder of CapyFun, I’ve seen how a character’s journey can grow beyond the page. My picture book A Cup of Happy and coloring book Capybara Bubble Tea were created to bring joy and mindfulness to readers—and to build a world centered on calm, creativity, and connection.

What began as stories about comfort and curiosity has blossomed into a universe of characters and illustrations designed to reach families through books, products, and experiences. At CapyFun, we see every story as a doorway—not just to imagination, but to meaningful partnerships that keep the journey going.

Children’s books have long introduced characters who live well beyond their original pages. From plush toys and stationery to apparel and animation, stories that resonate emotionally open doors to brand extensions.

With capybaras at the heart of A Cup of Happy and Capybara Bubble Tea, I set out to create stories that feel both personal and universal—gentle adventures filled with warmth, humor, and a bit of whimsy. Readers connected deeply with Capy, our calm and cuddly hero, and that emotional bond has sparked growing interest in licensing and merchandise.

Capy from Page to Product: Licensing Opportunities Rooted in Calm and Creativity

Capy represents more than just a cute face. In A Cup of Happy, Capy becomes a symbol of cozy moments and emotional connection. In Capybara Bubble Tea, Capy and friends explore flavors, creativity, and collaboration—making the world of CapyFun ideal for themed products and brand storytelling.

The books’ whimsical illustrations have inspired a growing art library—over 500 assets—that translate beautifully across categories: plush toys, puzzles, apparel, stickers, and more. We’re actively working with licensees and manufacturers to bring these designs to life.

Expanding the World: New Titles, New Possibilities

Capybara Bubble Tea and A Cup of Happy were just the beginning. Future titles will dive deeper into Capy’s universe, with stories about food, seasonal adventures, and emotional growth.

For creative partners, this means more than licensing existing content. New books provide fresh ways to collaborate—through co-branded products, exclusive designs, and multimedia adaptations. CapyFun is built for expansion, with storytelling at its core.

A Call to Collaborate

If you’re a publisher, brand, or creative partner looking to license capybara-themed content with heart and charm, we’d love to connect. From character licensing and product collaborations to co-editions and illustration use, CapyFun offers flexible models for meaningful partnerships.

With a strong creative vision, a growing audience, and a library of ready-to-license artwork, we’re excited to build something special—together.

Visit capyfun.com to learn more and help bring a few more “cups of happy” into the world.