Inspiration & Origins
How a visit to the aquarium ignited the idea for Rico’s adventure

The spark for Rico the Rummy Nose and the Lost Lagoon struck one afternoon at my local aquarium pet store Petco in 2024. I was captivated by a school of Rummy-Nose Tetras—those little flashes of red and silver darting through the water. Their curious, friendly faces stayed with me. Since then, I’ve sketched Rico in paper notebooks, researched riverbed ecosystems, and dreamed up a hidden lagoon where magic ripples through every bubble.

My greatest hope is that every reader feels the thrill of discovery as they turn each page, their hearts racing alongside Rico’s bright red nose. I want children and adults alike to be swept away by the sense of possibility that lies beneath the water’s surface—to feel courage in the face of the unknown, joy in newfound friendships, and a spark of wonder that stays with them long after the final chapter. May this adventure inspire young imaginations to explore the world around them and believe that magic can be found in the simplest of places.

  • 2024 December - First Glimpse of Rico -

    I first spotted a Rummy-Nose Tetra darting among the plants at the aquarium.

  • 2025 January - Sketched the Glowing Nose -

    I sketched Rico’s glowing red nose idea in my notebook during a water break.

  • 2025 May - Mapped out the Lost Lagoon -

    I mapped out the winding riverbed and secret lagoon story paths on draft layouts.

  • 2025 June - Finalized Text & Art -

    I polished the manuscript and finalized all the illustrations for printing.

  • 2025 July - Translations -

    Translated the manuscript into several languages and arranged the text in the pages.

ANDREW WILLIAM

Inspiring Author

Hi—I’m Andrew William, a storyteller, dreamer, and emerging new author with a passion for sparking wonder, stirring the heart, and crafting tales that ignite the imagination.

My journey began with a short tale inspired by the vibrant, full-of-life world inside my aquarium, and from that moment on, I was hooked by the magic of storytelling—its power to transport, transform, and uplift.

My first book, Rico the Rummy Nose and the Lost Lagoon, dives into that initial spark of imagination. It’s a shimmering underwater adventure filled with courage, friendship, and a touch of magic—perfect for readers who still believe in the extraordinary.

I believe the best stories leave you smiling, thinking, or feeling just a little braver. Whether I’m sketching playful fish in a hidden lagoon or guiding heroes through enchanted forests, my writing is rooted in timeless themes: discovery, loyalty, and the joy of exploration.

At the heart of it all is a simple goal—to craft stories that speak to young readers and the young at heart alike.

Come along for the journey—my stories are waiting to sweep you into worlds of wonder, courage, and heart. Let’s discover the adventure together.

I believe in the magic that lies beneath the surface of every ordinary moment.

Andrew William
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Aquarium Adventures

I spent weekends at the local aquarium, mesmerized by Rummy-Nose Tetras darting through the water. Their bright red noses sparked the idea for Rico.

Sketchbook Stories

Dozens of sketchbooks later, Rico’s fins, expressions and that glowing nose leapt off the page—my doodles became the heart of the story.

Field Research

Riverbank strolls and nature documentaries taught me about real riverbed plants, hidden currents, and the secret lagoon I’d imagined.

Plot & Character

I wove friendship, courage and curiosity into every chapter so Rico’s journey would feel both thrilling and relatable.

Underwater Illustration

Watercolors and digital paint brought the lagoon’s sapphire depths and bioluminescent glows to life on each page.

Story Sharing

I love reading aloud in schools and libraries—seeing young eyes light up at Rico’s adventures is the best part of being an author.