Maxjoy Stories

Stories built on a simple belief: joy is always there, even when life gets hard.

Children's books for big little imaginations — built around wonder, belonging, and the kind of joy that holds steady when things go sideways.

Gizmo the Gadget Goblin
Gizmo
Layla Lockett
Layla

The Maxjoy Philosophy

Joy runs deeper than happiness.

Maxjoy was built on one idea: that joy runs deeper than happiness. Happiness comes and goes. It depends on circumstances, on good days, on things going right. But joy is different.

Joy is the thing that holds us together when life gets hard, when things don't go as planned, when the path forward isn't clear. Joy reminds us that we are here to live fully, to love deeply, and to experience life with wonder and gratitude.

That's what every Maxjoy story is built around. Not perfect characters living perfect lives, but real characters navigating real challenges, and discovering that joy is always available to them no matter what.

We believe children who grow up with joy at the center of their stories grow up with joy at the center of their lives. That's worth building.

Meet Gizmo

Gizmo the Gadget Goblin and the Golden Goose of Gadgetropolis

When the legendary Golden Goose of Gadgetropolis is stolen right before his eyes, Gizmo and his gadget-wielding best friends set out to track down the thief and save their most prized treasure. A story about courage, friendship, and what happens when you refuse to give up on the things that matter most.

Coming Late 2026
Gizmo the Gadget Goblin
Gizmo

Gizmo

The curious and quick-thinking leader of the group. Gizmo is always the first to spot a clue and the first to reach for a gadget to solve the problem.

Zippy

Zippy

Energetic and action-ready, Zippy is the group's daring go-getter who never hesitates to leap into action, literally, thanks to his trusty Super Max Turbo Jumpers.

Whirligig

Whirligig

The resourceful brains behind the Goblin Glider 3000. Whirligig is a well-connected inventor who knows exactly who to call when the team needs answers fast.

From the Sketchbook

Early pages, still in the pencil.

Gizmo and friends with the Golden Goose — title page sketch
Title page — the Golden Goose revealed
Gizmo, Zippy, and Whirligig in the Pass-Through Pen — sketch
Pass-Through Pen escape (pgs. 12–13)
Goblin Glider 3000 arriving at Whizzle's Cottage — sketch
Glider 3000 & Whizzle's Cottage (pgs. 14–15)

Meet Layla

Layla Lockett and the Crimson Crown

When young Layla Lockett feels like she doesn't belong anywhere, she embarks on a daring journey through an enchanted world and discovers that the dreams everyone dismissed hold the key to her extraordinary destiny. A story about belonging, courage, and the quiet strength it takes to keep dreaming.

Coming Late 2026
Layla Lockett
Layla 1
Layla 2

Layla

A dreamer in the truest sense. Imaginative, emotionally sensitive, and deeply caring, Layla doesn't charge into situations. She feels her way through them. Her greatest gift turns out to be the very thing everyone told her to let go of.

Antaria 1
Antaria 2

Antaria

A mysterious and graceful magical woman Layla encounters in the woods. She offers a cryptic but encouraging word before vanishing, leaving Layla with just enough to keep going.

Sir Duke 1
Sir Duke 2

Sir Duke

A wounded and noble creature Layla discovers deep underground. He needs her help to reach a place of healing, and she refuses to leave him behind.

Progress & Timeline

The road to launch.

Two books, both deep in the build. Here's where each story is on its way to your bookshelf.

Gizmo the Gadget Goblin

2 of 6 complete

  1. Manuscript

    Complete

  2. Character Art

    Complete

  3. Illustrations

    In progress

  4. Cover Design

    Up next

  5. Print & Production

    Up next

  6. 🚀

    Launch

    Up next

Layla Lockett

2 of 6 complete

  1. Manuscript

    Complete

  2. Character Art

    Complete

  3. Illustrations

    In progress

  4. Cover Design

    Up next

  5. Print & Production

    Up next

  6. 🚀

    Launch

    Up next

Why Maxjoy Matters

For the parents and educators building joy with us.

We live in a world that moves fast and feels heavy sometimes. Children feel that weight too, even when we wish they didn't. They face moments of confusion, loneliness, and uncertainty earlier than we expect.

Maxjoy stories were created to give children a language for joy. Not the kind that depends on everything going right, but the kind that holds steady when things go wrong. The kind that says: you belong here, your dreams matter, and there is always a reason to keep going.

For parents, Maxjoy is a conversation starter. A way to sit with your child and talk about belonging, courage, friendship, and what it means to keep dreaming even when it's hard.

For educators, Maxjoy is a classroom tool. Stories that open doors to social emotional learning in a way that feels natural, warm, and age appropriate.

Every Maxjoy story is built to be read again and again. Because joy, like any good thing, grows the more you return to it.

Be the first to know when Gizmo and Layla arrive.

Updates on launches, new characters, and everything happening in the Maxjoy world. Nothing more.

Let's talk Maxjoy.

Got a question about Maxjoy, a school or library that might love these stories, or just want to say hello? We'd love to hear from you.