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 do. Though Skye has since crossed the Rainbow Bridge, her memory lives on in our commitment to care deeply, work with heart, and give every project the attention it deserves.
And in case you’re wondering—yes, that’s Tasche’s daughter in the photo! She’s all grown up and married now, a sweet reminder of how time flies. At Skye Blue Press, we’re here to help your stories grow, evolve, and flourish—just like the moments that inspired them.
Our Name
“Love, memory, and the passing of time. Skye Blue Press was built on them all. 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 Cal State 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 an illustrator and animator based in Louisiana, known for her expressive characters and heartfelt storytelling through art. A graduate of the Pacific Northwest College of Art (PNCA) with a BFA in Animation, she blends whimsical charm with emotional depth in every project she takes on.
Mei Mei has illustrated over ten children’s books, as well as activity books and the Color ’n Chill adult coloring series. Her passion lies in character design—capturing personality through movement, expression, and subtle detail. Whether she’s drawing playful scenes or tackling more serious themes, her work invites readers to feel, imagine, and connect.
She continues to dream of publishing her own graphic novels someday. Until then, she brings stories to life one page at a time—with heart, humor, and a pencil (digital or otherwise) always in hand.
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, he and his wife, Tasche Laine, teamed up to write their first book, Get Up, Lil Peter. Get Up!, as a tribute to his grandfather and the timeless values 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 resilience, kindness, teamwork, and emotional growth. Blending Peter’s lived experiences with Tasche’s gift for storytelling, the duo brings heartfelt, uplifting messages to life for young readers.
Beyond writing, Peter is deeply committed to making a positive impact in his community. In 2023, he founded the Vancouver Lightning, a non-profit soccer club that began with a single men’s team and quickly grew to include over 150 kids across eight youth teams. Motivated by a desire to give back and honor the mentors who guided him, Peter is developing a dedicated soccer complex—the future home for both indoor and outdoor play.
Born and raised in the Los Angeles area, Peter now lives in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with Tasche and their two pups, Story and Page. He continues to play and coach soccer and believes deeply in helping kids grow—on and off the field, to prepare them for life.
