The Family Behind the Stories
Every destination in the Nick and Aya Travel series is based on real family journeys. The places the characters visit, the foods they taste, the wildlife they encounter, and many of the conversations and questions throughout the books were written down during the travels before becoming part of the stories.
Kate, the children's mother, reflects the author's lifelong interest in geography, world cultures, languages, anthropology, history, and etymology. Through Kate's research, young readers learn not only where places are, but also why people live the way they do, how traditions developed, and what makes every culture unique—all explained in a way that is engaging and easy for children to understand.
George's character is based on Khadizhat's husband, Justin, whose work and interests center on biology, ecology, rivers, oceans, fish, and watersheds. As the founder of Hemispheres Unlimited, a global fly-fishing travel company, he has explored fisheries and waterways around the world. His expertise shapes George's scientific research throughout the series, helping Nick and Aya understand wildlife, ecosystems, freshwater and marine environments, and the natural processes that make our planet.
Together, Kate and George help Nick and Aya—and young readers—look beyond famous landmarks to better understand the people, landscapes, wildlife, and traditions that make every country unique. Because the greatest souvenirs from any journey are not the things we bring home, but the knowledge, memories, and appreciation we gain along the way.