If you're like me and the OG Odd Dog, Layla, this might your go-to December expression:
Photo by The Rye Studio
But on Monday, I received news that made up for all of 2025:
The Odd Dog was named a 2025 Kirkus Indie Book of the Year!
If you're not in the book biz, here's some context for why this is so exciting.
Kirkus provides reviews to roughly 6,000-8,000 traditionally published books, and thousands more indie books.
Of those thousands and thousands, Kirkus chooses 100 books across all genres to be books of the year.
Of those 100 books, eight were children's books this year.
You don't apply for this honor; it either happens or it doesn't.
For me, there are a few reasons this means so much:
1) The Odd Dog was reviewed in February, so for it to remain top of mind for that long is incredibly touching, 2) The other 100 books chosen were outstanding, as well as many, many others that did not get nominated. Here's the full list if you're curious. 3) This book would not have been possible without all of YOU!
As we head into 2026, I have a small gift. If you are part of this book or know someone who will love it, I'd like to offer a 25% off coupon on my website for The Odd Dog (and, well, anything else that draws your eye). The code is KIRKUS25 and you can find my book at https://storiesbyleia.store/page/bookshop.
I cannot promise it before Christmas, but I promise it will be the gift that keeps on giving.
You'll probably not hear from me before the new year, so please have a safe and happy holiday season and thank you for your incredible support!
