by Abi Fletcher
For Joshua S. Brunet, the dream of illustrating children’s books did not begin with a publishing contract or a release date circled on a calendar. This story begins in classrooms, sketchbooks and in-between moments spent imagining stories brought to life through color and line.
This dream is what has turned into “Fly: A Fable for Dreamers and the Friends Who Help Them Soar,” written by good friend, Ben Mandrell and published by B&H Publishing Group, the trade publishing arm of Lifeway Christian Resources. The book releases Feb. 17, 2026, offering leaders an inspiring fable about how friendship can fuel even the biggest aspirations. However, “Fly’s” roots stretch back more than two decades.
Brunet graduated in 2000 from Indiana Wesleyan University with a Bachelor of Science in Illustration. Like many young artists, he left college with ambition, ideas and a specific goal in mind.
“I’ve always wanted to illustrate children’s books, ever since I was young,” Brunet said. “I graduated in 2000 … and decided to create a book project. That was the start of what is now, ‘Fly.’ It has been a long journey, but I’m really excited about the final product.” That early concept would evolve slowly over time. As Brunet continued developing his book, the project remained in the background. He later earned a Master of Fine Arts in Illustration in 2011 from the Hartford Art School at the University of Hartford, furthering both his technical and narrative skills.
Over the past 25 years, he has worked as a freelance illustrator with publishers including Charlesbridge Publishing and Capstone, illustrating four children’s books prior to “Fly.” This project stands apart because it was his first book with B&H Publishing Group and it was one shaped by a decade-long friendship.
“The author, Ben Mandrell, is a good friend of mine, and we have actually been working on it for over 10 years together,” Brunet said. “This past January, God worked everything out, and it all came to fruition.” The story’s theme, that dreamers often rely on the encouragement of faithful friends, mirrors the creative partnership behind it. Through drafts, pauses and the unpredictable pace of publishing, Brunet and Mandrell held onto their shared vision.
Brunet is now an associate professor of art at Oklahoma Baptist University, where he teaches drawing, painting and illustration while continuing his freelance career. Students in his classes see both the discipline behind professional illustration and the patience required to sustain a creative calling.
At home in Shawnee, Oklahoma, Brunet and his wife are raising four children — an experience that deepens his connection to stories written for young readers. Illustrating children’s books is no longer simply a personal dream; it is part of the world he shares daily with his own family.
“I’ve actually illustrated four other children’s books — but this is my first book with B&H Publishing (Lifeway),” he said. After 25 years of freelance work, “Fly” represents not just a new publication, but the fulfillment of a vision first formed at the start of his career. The journey, Brunet acknowledges,
required persistence and faith.
“It has been a long journey,” he said, “but I’m really excited about the final product.”
With its Feb. 17 release approaching, Fly stands as a testament to steady craftsmanship, enduring friendship and the quiet determination of an illustrator who never stopped believing that one day, his work would help others soar.
