South Carolina Author Pens Children's Book for America's 250th Anniversary

The first book in a trilogy celebrates the American Revolution through the eyes of a Bichon Frise.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 1:04am

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A South Carolina author named Karen Petit has published the first book in a children's book trilogy commemorating the 250th anniversary of American independence. The book, titled "Celebrate America, The People Declare Independence," follows a Bichon Frise named Louie as he time-travels back to the colonial era to learn about the American Revolution. Petit worked closely with illustrator Bonner Abercrombie to ensure historical accuracy in the book's artwork.

Why it matters

As the United States prepares to celebrate 250 years of independence, this children's book trilogy aims to make American history engaging and accessible for young readers. By telling the story through the perspective of a beloved family pet, the author hopes to spark an interest in U.S. history and the founding principles of the nation.

The details

Petit, an experienced children's book author, was inspired by a close friend to write a book about the American Revolution. She chose to center the story around a Bichon Frise named Louie, who time-travels through a tunnel under South Carolina's Star Fort to experience the events leading up to the Declaration of Independence. Illustrator Bonner Abercrombie spent weeks researching the colonial era to ensure the book's artwork was historically accurate.

  • The first book in the trilogy, "Celebrate America, The People Declare Independence," was published in March 2026.
  • The second book in the trilogy is set to release in October 2026.
  • The third and final book in the trilogy will be published in 2027.

The players

Karen Petit

A South Carolina author who has written over ten children's books. She developed the idea for a children's book trilogy commemorating the 250th anniversary of American independence.

Louie

A seven-year-old Bichon Frise who serves as the main character in Petit's children's book trilogy, experiencing the events of the American Revolution through time travel.

Bonner Abercrombie

The illustrator who was tasked with creating the artwork for Petit's children's book. Abercrombie spent weeks researching the colonial era to ensure historical accuracy in the illustrations.

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What they’re saying

“I thought, if I did do a book on the American Revolution, I would want it to include a dog so that the story of the war could be told through the eyes of a dog who was experiencing the American Revolution.”

— Karen Petit, Author

“I was so excited to just get started on the sketches and kind of just immersing myself in the culture, watching a lot of movies from that time period and shows and just doing a lot of research. It was super fun.”

— Bonner Abercrombie, Illustrator

What’s next

The second book in Petit's children's book trilogy is set to release in October 2026, with the final book in the series scheduled for publication in 2027.

The takeaway

This children's book trilogy represents an innovative approach to teaching American history, using a beloved family pet as the protagonist to engage young readers and spark their interest in the founding principles of the United States as the nation celebrates its 250th anniversary.