Category Archives: The Mills Beary Series

So if you’re wondering whether this story is for you…

It might be…If you’ve ever felt a little different.
If you’ve ever wanted to belong somewhere soft and safe.
If you believe kindness matters more than perfection.
If you still believe in magic, even the quiet kind.

From Middle Grade to Middle Heart – Who the Book Is Really For

When The Hidden Village of Mills Beary was first written. Originally written for ages 8-12, this story has quietly found its way into teens’, parents’, and grandparents’ hands, proof that it’s meant for every soft heart who believes belonging is where the magic begins!

But something unexpected happened…Adults began reading it too. Teens. Grandparents. Teachers. Parents. And they found something meaningful stitched between the lines.

Because this isn’t just a story for children.
It’s a story for anyone who has ever needed to be reminded that being different is not something to fix—it’s something to honor.

At its heart, this story is about loyalty, trust, and the small yet mighty acts that connect us. About kindness as a bonus, not an obligation, and the quiet ways we choose to care for one another.

Welcome to the Threaded Circle — where each story and soft stitch connects us.

Why I wrote The Hidden Village of Mills Beary 

“Magic lives quietly in all corners of the world, if you know where to look.”

There’s a reason Mills Beary isn’t found on any map. It was never meant to be searched for. It was meant to be felt.

I started writing The Hidden Village of Mills Beary  many years ago with one quiet hope: to remind children (and the grownups who love them) that you don’t have to look perfect to belong. I wanted to create a place stitched together by kindness and gentle magic, a world where what made you different could also make you strong. Where softness was power, and where being imperfect didn’t mean being incomplete.

Mills Beary lives in my heart. I know every nook and cranny of the Bear Mill, it’s the place I go in my dreams when I need rest or renewal. And when I paint the characters, it’s like painting family. Each SnipPets is a piece of something real to me, stitched with love, shaped by memory, and always quietly waiting by the door.

The SnipPets were never supposed to match. They were stitched from scraps of fabric and a touch of magical silver thread we in Mills Beary call the Thredyl. Crooked seams, mismatched eyes, tumbled colors, and yet each one carries magic, kindness, and strength.

Duffels didn’t set out to make anything perfect. He made something true. The SnipPets are protectors, stitched from scraps of forgotten fabric, bound by the silver thread called Thredyl, and full of quiet courage.  Wonderfully unmatched, yet unmistakably whole.

This book began as a story. But it’s grown into a world. A place where legacy matters. Where kindness counts. Where someone like Duffels Bear can become a guardian. And where a girl like Lily can find where she belongs, not because she fits in perfectly, but because she matters.

The plush SnipPets are real. The book is done. And Mills Beary is ready to be discovered.

I hope you’ll walk through its hidden doorway with me.

Janis (and Duffels Bear)

“We do not guard the village by standing taller than others. We guard it by remembering.”

• Role: Former Guardian of Mills Beary, Keeper of the Hidden Book
• Personality: Reflective, gentle, and profoundly wise. Bobbins carried the weight of memory,of the village’s past, its hidden magic, and the choices that shaped it. He was not loud or commanding, but his quiet presence brought clarity and calm. A mentor by nature, he guided through subtlety and patience rather than direction.
• Appearance: A soft grey-brown bear with kind eyes that always seemed to be remembering something. His posture was slightly stooped with age, but never weary. He wore a satchel woven with old thread and often carried scrolls or small parcels wrapped in cloth.
• Strengths:
  • Keeper of Lore: Bobbins was entrusted with the Hidden Book, a magical record that reveals its secrets only to the true guardian. He understood its language and its silences.
  • Intuitive Insight: He often saw the heart of a problem before it was spoken. He knew when to act, and more importantly, when not to.
  • Subtle Magic: Though he did not wield the Silver Thread as others might, his presence was threaded into the fabric of the village—quietly protective, quietly powerful.

  Role in the Story:  Bobbins was the former guardian of Mills Beary, the one who held the village’s secrets in quiet stewardship. He knew his time was coming to an end and began preparing Duffels to take his place, not through instruction, but by offering him small moments of truth, trust, and test. Though Bobbins passes before the second book begins, his legacy is deeply felt through the Hidden Book, the tapestry, and the characters he quietly shaped.

“The forest does not shout its wisdom; it listens, waits, and speaks when the moment is right,

That belonging begins not with how we look, but with what we hold inside.

As guardians, we must learn to do the same.”

• Role: Guardian of the Mill Beary, Protector of the Forest
• Personality: Wise, Stoic, deeply connected to the magic of the forest. He’s the natural leader of the group—quiet yet commanding. Duffels is the rock everyone leans on, with a presence that exudes calm authority and an unwavering moral compass. His resilience is evident not just in battle, but also in the steady way he navigates the complex dynamics of the village and the forest.
• Appearance: Broad-shouldered, with warm brown fur. His movements are deliberate and grounded, and he often carries himself with a sense of calm authority. His thoughtful expression suggests deep contemplation, and his steady eyes offer comfort to others in times of uncertainty.
• Strengths:
  • Wisdom of the Land: Duffels can feel the forest’s rhythms and understand its needs before they are spoken.
  • Moral Compass: Guided by heart and instinct, he always seeks the path that honors life and balance.
  • Guardian’s Grace: He does not need to be the loudest to be the leader. His strength is quiet but unshakable.
• Role in the Story:

  Duffels is entrusted with protecting the Bear Mill and the mystical Silver Thread, a powerful gift from the Silk Worms that weaves through the very heart of Mills Beary. As the guardian, he ensures that the thread of truth, balance, and belonging is never broken.

  He is the one who welcomes the SnipPets as they awaken, who watches over Lily as her journey begins, and who understands that leadership is not about being followed, but about walking beside others. In a world that can feel uncertain, Duffels is the still point that holds.

Excerpt from the Book between Duffels and his Mother: 

“Remember, Duffels,” she whispered, her voice soft against his shoulder.
“It’s not so much about knowing what to do. It’s about knowing why you do it. Please never forget your heart, and let that guide you.”

“Balance isn’t found in silence, but in listening to what the stillness is trying to say.”  – Windle

Character: The Steady Protector

Personality: Windle is calm, collected, and wise. He embodies the stillness needed to maintain balance in a world full of chaos.  Windle stands firm, offering stability to those around him. His patience and quiet strength make him a natural protector, able to absorb the turbulence of the world and provide shelter for those who seek it.

Power: Windle’s connection to the land allows him to restore calm and stability, even amid a storm. He has the power to stabilize magic in moments of disruption, calming the energies of the village and ensuring that the SnipPets can function harmoniously together. He is the grounding force within the group.

Role in the Story: Windle is the steady protector and grounding force of the SnipPets. His calm, patient demeanor anchors the group, ensuring that when chaos or emotional turmoil arises, there is a foundation of stillness and clarity to restore harmony. His role is essential not only in defending the village but in maintaining the delicate balance of magic that flows through Mills Beary.

Though his eyes don’t quite match, and his fur is stitched from scraps others might have discarded, Windle never saw those things as flaws. To those who know him, his quiet strength and gentle wisdom are what make him whole. In a world that often rushes to be seen, Windle reminds us that true presence doesn’t shout, it steadies.

He is the silent strength that holds the village together, offering stability and wisdom to those who seek it. As the embodiment of patience, Windle provides the SnipPets with the resilience they need to face any challenge, grounding them when the world outside begins to spin out of control.

The Hidden Village of Mills Beary is their story, and the SnipPets Originals plush animals bring these beloved characters to life, so you can carry a piece of the magic with you, wherever you go.

“I don’t wait for life to happen—I chase it down, one burst at a time.” —Dash

Character: A Quick Thinker.

Personality: Dash is a whirlwind of energy and joy. Her personality is electric—playful, curious, and always on the move. Unlike Windle’s quiet strength, Dash thrives in motion. She loves to explore, bound around, and spread her infectious enthusiasm wherever she goes. With her mismatched eyes and chaotic color palette, Dash embraces her differences with a wild sense of joy, knowing that what makes her unique is what gives her power. She’s a natural optimist, always ready to leap into action and find fun in every moment, even in the most challenging situations. Her zest for life is both refreshing and vital to the SnipPets’ dynamic, ensuring that nothing ever becomes too heavy or serious for long.

Power:  Dash’s power lies in her incredible speed and her ability to harness energy, especially in moments of crisis. She can move faster than the eye can see, making her the first to spot danger or to take action when needed. Her quick reflexes make her the perfect scout and protector for Mills Beary, ensuring that the village is always one step ahead of any threat. In addition to her speed, Dash’s playful energy can stir others into action, inspiring them to move quickly and decisively. She can channel her energy to temporarily enhance her senses, allowing her to detect even the smallest changes in her surroundings. Dash’s magic is unpredictable, much like her, but it’s this very unpredictability that gives her the ability to adapt and respond to any situation.

Role in the Story: Dash is the vibrant spark that keeps the SnipPets on their toes. She’s the quick-thinking protector, always ready to react, always one step ahead of danger. Her role in the story is to ensure that the village remains safe through her lightning-fast reflexes and her ability to sense danger before it arrives. While Windle grounds the group with calm, Dash brings speed, excitement, and unpredictability to their mission, keeping everyone on their toes and energized.

Though her colors clash and her eyes don’t match, Dash would never dream of being anyone else. She was stitched from scraps no one expected to work together — and yet, here she is, faster, brighter, and bolder because of it. In a world that often praises perfection, Dash reminds us that joy, bravery, and brilliance often come wrapped in wild colors.

Dash brings speed, excitement, and the spark of unpredictability , proving that every thread, no matter how mismatched, can carry magic.

The Hidden Village of Mills Beary is their story, and the SnipPets Originals plush animals bring these beloved characters to life, so you can carry a piece of the magic with you, wherever you go.

“There’s a whole world waiting to be discovered, and I’m the one who’s going to find it.” — Tayla

Character: The Secret of Secrets.

Personality: Tayla’s presence is magnetic, quietly powerful, and impossible to ignore. The Silver Thread woven into her vibrant red-and-pink fur responds to her like a compass to true north. It doesn’t just shimmer, it guides, pulling her toward what must be seen. Her magic gives her the ability to sense hidden doorways, hear echoes of long-lost voices, and uncover truths cloaked in time. She doesn’t force revelation—she is revelation. Illusions crumble when she’s near; secrets yield without a word. She just is, and the world can’t help but reveal itself to her.

Power:  Tayla disrupts the illusion and awakens what’s been forgotten. With no effort or command, she draws out hidden truths and memories embedded deep in the land. Her gift is not loud or showy—it hums beneath the surface, as steady and certain as a heartbeat. When Tayla is present, things long buried come to light.

Role in the Story: Tayla is the SnipPet who stirs the forgotten and wakes the whispers tucked in the seams of time. She doesn’t merely seek adventure—she summons it, drawn by instinct to what others overlook. She is bold, intuitive, and fearless. Where others hesitate, she steps forward, lighting the way with quiet certainty.

Her red-and-pink fur swirls in patterns no one else would dare combine, and yet there’s nothing random about Tayla. She was stitched with purpose, even if no one quite understood it at the time. While others question where they belong, Tayla walks as if she’s always known. Because she has.

She is the thread that unravels mysteries and rewrites stories long buried beneath dust and silence.

The Hidden Village of Mills Beary is their story, and the SnipPets Originals plush animals bring these beloved characters to life, so you can carry a piece of the magic with you, wherever you go.

“Healing doesn’t happen all at once. It listens, it breathes, and it begins where kindness takes root.” —Hue

Character: The Restorer of Balance.

Personality: Hue is soft-spoken, deeply compassionate, and grounded in a kind of quiet wisdom that never demands attention, yet is always felt. He’s the one who notices the small things—a curled leaf, a drooping shoulder, a silence that lingers too long. Where others bring motion, Hue brings stillness. He is thoughtful without being hesitant, steady without being rigid. His square glasses rest gently on his nose, often slipping as he tilts his head to listen. There’s a warmth to him that doesn’t burn; it soothes.

Power: Hue is the keeper of harmony in Mills Beary, the one the village turns to when something feels off, but no one knows why. He tends to the roots, not just of trees, but of hearts. Whether guiding a lost soul home or caring for the land after a storm, Hue’s healing is always gentle, never rushed. In moments of doubt or pain, he offers what no one else can: a sense of being understood without having to explain. Through every season, Hue is the quiet pulse of Mills Beary, a steady hand, a calming voice, a reminder that restoration is not a moment, but a way of being.

Role in the Story: Hue is the quiet heartbeat of the SnipPets, a gentle soul brought into the world not to fight, but to heal. While others may charge forward or seek out adventure, Hue listens to the land, to the people, to the silent aching buried deep in the roots of Mills Beary. His role is to bring balance where there is chaos, calm where there is hurt, and wholeness where something has been broken or forgotten.

With soft blue fur and lavender spots, Hue was stitched from the colors of peace. He isn’t bold in his shape or color, and yet there’s something about him that makes you breathe a little easier. In a world that often celebrates the loudest, Hue reminds us that healing is its own kind of strength.

Whether it’s a wilted tree, a fractured spirit, or ancient magic thrown out of harmony, Hue’s presence invites healing in all forms. Through his calm resolve and deep empathy, he helps not only the village but also the other SnipPets remember the beauty of restoration.

He is not the loudest voice, but his is the one that stays with you, long after the noise fades.

The Hidden Village of Mills Beary is their story, and the SnipPets Originals plush animals bring these beloved characters to life, so you can carry a piece of the magic with you, wherever you go.

“I’ll make sure the village stays balanced, like the steady warmth of the sun.” — Georgie

Character: The Heart and Harmonizer of the Village.

Personality: Georgie is calm, thoughtful, and deeply insightful. Her quiet confidence gives her the ability to remain steady even in the face of uncertainty. She possesses a wisdom that transcends her years, able to read people and situations with a deep understanding. Georgie is the kind of individual who can carry a heavy burden with ease and grace. Her sense of responsibility and determination is tempered by warmth, making her a natural leader who inspires trust in others. She is reliable, grounded, and always present, acting as the heart of the SnipPets’ group.

Power: Georgie’s magic revolves around balance, harmony, and protection. She can understand and regulate the flow of energies within the village, keeping everything in sync. Her magic is connected to the swirl of her nose and the warmth she radiates. She can bring peace to any situation, help resolve conflicts, and restore balance where it is lost. Georgie is also capable of sensing the emotional states of others, using this insight to guide her interactions and offer support where it is needed most. Her role is not only to protect the village physically, but to nurture its emotional well-being and ensure that everyone feels united and supported.

Role in the Story: Georgie’s primary role is to maintain the harmony and balance within the village. She is the anchor, the one who keeps the SnipPets and the land centered and aligned. Her unique ability to read situations and people, along with her steady nature, makes her the glue that holds the community together.

She was stitched with more care than color, her form gentle and solid. And while she might not catch your eye at first glance, her presence is one that always lingers—a comforting warmth you notice most when it’s gone. Georgie proves that leadership doesn’t always need a spotlight. Sometimes, it looks like kindness, feels like safety, and sounds like someone simply being there.

Georgie ensures that conflicts are resolved peacefully, and that everyone in the village feels supported and understood. As the one who can sense what is needed before it’s spoken, Georgie has a deep understanding of how to guide the village in times of change, ensuring that peace and balance prevail.

The Hidden Village of Mills Beary is their story, and the SnipPets Originals plush animals bring these beloved characters to life, so you can carry a piece of the magic with you, wherever you go.