Our Story
In 2014, Amanda Bernardo set out to publish her first children’s book – Little Voice – with support from her illustrator, Samantha Clusiau-Lawlor. Realizing how difficult it was to get published, Amanda chose to listen to her own inner voice and set out to establish Little Voice Books (LVB) – a Canadian social enterprise that would eventually become the home of Amanda and Samantha’s shared titles: Little Voice, La petite voix, The Lighthouse and Le phare.
Since establishing LVB in 2014, the team has:
- had Little Voice recognized by Scholastics as one of the top inspirational books of 2015 alongside authors like J.K. Rowling;
- sold and continue sell their books through Chapters, Indigo and Coles across Ottawa (listed online), and other retail partners;
- been seen on TV, heard on the radio, and published in papers for their story, books and fundraising efforts;
- had their books added to elementary school libraries across Canada;
- donated over $11,000 through to support programs and charities across Canada, including the Alzheimer Society of Canada and the National Canadian Mental Health Association, as well as a number of community initiatives through LVB’s former Community Ambassador Program.
Most of all, the team has used their books to educate children, and adults alike, by creating meaningful reads that can be turned into powerful conversations specifically around mental health … all while giving back.
While the duo once dreamed of publishing more children’s books together, in 2022 they realized that their own stories were evolving and life was taking them in a different direction. After eight successful years as a social enterprise, the duo made the decision to close this chapter with LVB to embark on their next chapters.
Despite our books no longer being available through this website, Little Voice, La petite voix, The Lighthouse and Le phare will continue to be available through http://www.amandabernardo.ca and our retail partners. In doing so, Amanda’s commitment to donating a portion of all book sales will continue to live on. You can discover where to purchase our books below.
If you are interested in becoming a wholesale partner to continue to share the little voice message, please contact author Amanda Bernardo for more information.
Learn more about our books
Little Voice teaches its readers to be confident, creative, ambitious and proud of who they are. By promoting a growth mindset, children are taught that dedication and hard work will enable them to chase their dreams! Doubt and fear, although innate to us all, are replaced with a motivational little voice that encourages children to embrace their differences, develop their talents, and build upon their resilience to manage any of life’s uncertainties.
The Little Voice book is proud to support the Forget Me Not Project!
The Lighthouse is a story that aims to educate, support, and remind all those affected by mental illness that they are not alone. Through the power of literature and illustration, this open, honest and brave story supports all those who may be suffering in silence by breaking the very stigma that holds them hostage. The story serves as a symbolic reminder of the support, strength and hope that is represented by the lighthouse, and aims to teach its readers to become a beacon of light in their own communities.
The Lighthouse is proud to support the Be the Light Campaign.
Both books are also available in French.
Our retail partners
