New children’s book “Danny’s Trails: Mossley, England” celebrates friendship, resilience, and the beauty of local landscapes

A chance meeting on a transatlantic flight has led to an inspiring creative partnership, and a brand-new children’s book that shines a spotlight on Mossley’s scenic countryside.

Danny’s Trails: Mossley, England, written by Pasadena-based author Susana Porras and illustrated by Mossley’s own Dan Makin, is a heartfelt tale that blends real-life landmarks with a whimsical story about mindfulness, creativity, and the power of perseverance.

Porras, a community organizer and Program Coordinator for the Special Operations Division of the Pasadena Police Department, has travelled extensively across Europe and Central America, even calling both the South of France and Guatemala home at different times. Fluent in French and Spanish, she brings a global perspective to her storytelling.

Her co-creator, Dan Makin, is well-known locally as a talented illustrator, music enthusiast, and marathon runner. In 2021, he was honoured with the Courage Award from the Stroke Association for his remarkable recovery and determination following a life-altering injury in 2017.

The two first met in 2015 on a flight from London to Los Angeles, a serendipitous encounter that sparked a friendship rooted in a shared love of travel and discovery. Over the years, that friendship evolved into creative collaboration.

During the COVID-19 lockdowns, both found new artistic outlets: Makin turned to illustration while Porras published her first book, To Compostela and Beyond!: A Poet’s Chronicle of the Camino de Santiago. Their newest joint project, Danny’s Trails: Mossley, England, captures that same spirit of resilience and renewal.

Aimed at children aged 6 to 9, the book is also designed to appeal to adults, particularly those recovering from brain injuries and relearning to read. Its vivid illustrations, engaging story, and real-life setting, featuring Mossley’s trails, hills, and historical landmarks. make it both imaginative and educational.

“A good story,” Porras said, “is one that teaches a moral, reinforces a value, or inspires. My favourite tales are those of success through overcoming adversity.”

For Danny’s Trails, Porras spent an entire year researching the Mossley area, poring over guidebooks, history texts, blogs, and even Google Maps, before travelling to Mossley herself to walk the six-mile trail that inspired the story.

“My inspiration for this book came from Dan himself and his incredible journey toward recovery,” she said. “As his friend and travel buddy, I wanted to be part of the process, to tell a story that reflected his courage and creativity.”

The book also contains a small secret for observant readers. “Although the book is written in English,” Porras revealed with a smile, “it’s not written in American English. I’ll be curious to see who notices!”

When asked about her creative process, Porras admitted that finding time is the greatest challenge:

“We are all artists, writers, and musicians, but creativity needs time to thrive. Even dedicating 30 minutes a day can make all the difference.”

An excerpt from Danny’s Trails: Mossley, England captures the blend of realism and fantasy that defines the story:

“From a distance, Danny heard church bells chime and followed the sound. Ding-dong, ding-dong, ding-dong … they were the bells of Saint George Mossley. Danny arrived just as the church doors closed and was happy to have the courtyard all to himself. He climbed up behind the building for a clear view of the houses, hills, and hollows. Danny took out his favourite-coloured pencils and eagerly began his next work of art. He shaded the rooftops, traced the hills, and coloured the small valley when … BOOM! The sound of lightning and thunder knocked the pencil right out of his hand.”

With its uplifting message and picturesque backdrop, Danny’s Trails: Mossley, England is both a love letter to the town and a testament to human resilience.

Porras and Makin hope their collaboration will inspire readers to explore, both the world around them and the landscapes of their own imagination.

“It’s our hope,” Porras said, “that our journeys will inspire yours.”