Stories to read, color, and feel—created with heart at Skye Blue Press.
Skye Blue Press is named in honor of Tasche’s beloved Sheltie, Skye Blue, a loyal companion whose gentle spirit continues to inspire everything we create. Though she has crossed the Rainbow Bridge, her legacy lives on in the way we approach our work—with heart, creativity, and care.
What began as a small editing and publishing space has grown into a creative home for storytelling in many forms: children’s books, young adult fiction, psychological thrillers, and our Color ’n Chill collection.
And yes, that’s Tasche’s daughter in the photo. She’s all grown up and married now—a reminder of how quickly time passes, and how the stories we create become the moments we hold onto.
At Skye Blue Press, we don’t just make books—we create stories and experiences that connect, inspire, and last.
Who We Are
“Love, memory, and the passing of time. Skye Blue Press was built on these. Your story is part of the legacy.”
Tasche Laine
Founder | Author | Editor at Skye Blue Press
Tasche Laine is an award-winning, best-selling author, editor, and the creative force behind Skye Blue Press. She believes in the power of stories to heal, inspire, and connect—and brings a blend of heart, humor, and hard-earned experience to everything she writes and edits. As the founder of Skye Blue Press, she works closely with authors to shape their manuscripts while preserving the voice and soul that make each story unique.
Born in Kansas and raised in a small Oregon town, Tasche has always followed her curiosity. Her career has taken her from TV news reporting to teaching child actors on Hollywood sets, to guiding high school students as they found their voices through English literature. She holds a degree in Broadcast Journalism from Washington State University and two teaching credentials from California State University, Fullerton. She’s also a Certified Professional Editor (CPE) and certified proofreader.
Tasche’s writing career took off after raising her daughter in California. She returned to the rainy Pacific Northwest, where gray skies and quiet mornings became the perfect backdrop for storytelling. Her debut novel, Closure—a fictional memoir drawn from her own experiences—won a book award in 2018. That was followed by Chameleon, a psychological thriller that earned an award for empowering women in fiction. She then shifted focus to young adult mysteries with her Chronicles of V series, known for its sharp wit, suspense, and emotional depth.
But the real plot twist? Falling in love. Tasche’s new husband quickly became her biggest fan and creative collaborator. Together, they co-authored the Lil Peter children’s book series, blending vibrant illustrations with heartfelt lessons in kindness, confidence, and emotional growth.
These days, Tasche lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and their two dogs, Story and Page (yes, those are their real names). When she’s not writing or editing, you’ll likely find her exploring waterfalls, sipping coffee, or curating her next themed book box for readers of all ages.
Peter Valdez
Mei Mei Leonard
Illustrator & Animator
Mei Mei Leonard is a Louisiana-based illustrator / animator known for creating expressive characters and heartfelt storytelling. With a BFA in Animation from the Pacific Northwest College of Art (PNCA), she combines technical skill with a playful style that resonates with both kids and adults.
She’s illustrated over ten children’s books, along with activity books and the Color ’n Chill adult coloring series. Her favorite part of the process? Character design—where a tilt of the head, a micro expression, or a subtle gesture can tell an entire story.
From joyful, whimsical scenes to more emotionally layered moments, Mei Mei’s work is all about connection. She dreams of creating her own graphic novels someday—but for now, she’s busy bringing stories to life one page at a time, with creativity, care, and a sketchpad never far from reach.
Co-Creator of the Lil Peter Series
Peter Valdez III is the heart behind the Lil Peter children’s book series, inspired by real-life lessons and meaningful childhood moments that helped shape his character. As the oldest of 29 grandchildren, Peter was lovingly nicknamed “Lil Peter” to distinguish him from his father and grandfather—both also named Peter. Years later, that name became the foundation for a children’s book series rooted in family, resilience, and timeless values.
Peter and his wife, author Tasche Laine, teamed up to write their first book, Get Up, Lil Peter. Get Up!, as a tribute to his grandfather and the lessons he passed down. Each book in the Lil Peter series draws from moments in Peter’s youth that left a lasting impression—stories that highlight kindness, teamwork, perseverance, and emotional growth. Blending Peter’s lived experiences with Tasche’s gift for storytelling, the books deliver heartfelt messages for young readers and the adults who read alongside them.
Beyond writing, Peter is a lifelong soccer player, coach, and leader with more than 40 years of experience on the field. After relocating a semi-professional men’s team to Vancouver, Washington, and navigating significant organizational challenges, Peter rebuilt with clarity and purpose, relaunching the club as Vancouver Storm F.C.
Today, Vancouver Storm FC stands as the only semi-professional indoor soccer team in the Vancouver, WA–Portland, OR metro region, focused on developing talent, delivering high-energy arena-style competition, and carrying forward a legacy built on passion, resilience, and authenticity. For Peter, the Storm represents more than a team—it’s the culmination of decades of learning, leadership, and refusing to give up.
Born and raised in the Los Angeles area, Peter now lives in the Pacific Northwest with Tasche and their two pups, Story and Page. Whether through books or soccer, he remains deeply committed to helping kids grow—on and off the field—and preparing them not just for the game, but for life.
