Why I Made April Lane
Hi, I’m Stephanie Six — an artist, art director, teacher, creative producer, and published picture book illustrator. I’ve worked in children’s media for many years, with clients including Netflix, PBS KIDS, Apple TV+, Yoto, and The Hidden Pigeon Co. and Little Bee Books.
The idea for April Lane grew out of watching my son navigate the everyday big feelings and challenges of childhood. I noticed how naturally he turned to making things — and wondered if creating something with his hands could help give those feelings somewhere to go.
Through my work in children’s media, I’ve learned that ideas tend to stick when they come through story. So I began creating an experience: original books and keepsake craft kits that pair gentle storytelling with hands-on making.
With April Lane, I wanted to create something families could hold, make, and use in real life: a beautiful story, a meaningful craft, and a small ritual for everyday childhood feelings.
You can see more of my other work here, and I hope you'll follow along here at April Lane.
Tested with Real Kids
Each April Lane story and kit experience is carefully crafted and thoughtfully tested. I develop the work with guidance from Early Childhood Research Consultant Jess deMonsabert, PhD, and gather feedback from parents, therapists, teachers — and, of course, kids.
Through hands-on testing, I look closely at how children respond to the story, how they use the craft, what parents notice, and what continues to feel meaningful after the activity is done. The goal is simple: to create keepsakes children genuinely connect with, and that parents feel good bringing into their homes.
Making Gives Feelings Somewhere to Go
Big feelings can be hard for children to explain. Making gives them another way in.
When a child strings a bead, traces a heart, ties a knot, or holds something they made, the feeling becomes a little more tangible. April Lane turns everyday emotional moments into story-led keepsakes — small objects of courage, care, connection, and love that children can carry with them.