Pickles are nickles, far better than the ton in disguise

THE PICKLETON UNIVERSE

The Pickleton Universe is a ten-year world-building decade craft for children’s literature, character creation, and imaginative storytelling.

“If you’re in a pickle, then get out your sickle; hack out whatever is fickle, there you’d find a nickel”
— Tiny, the elephant

The Story Behind the Name

The word Pickleton is derived from a fond childhood memory
of eating curd rice and lemon or mango pickle on a daily basis.

The Problem

While this simple joy of eating a favorite meal brought comfort, it also gave room for observation on how others responded, projected, and felt entitled to mock what they did not understand.

The Solution

Through those moments of feeling isolated, misunderstood, or judged unfairly by societal measures, resilient, mischievous, and vibrant characters were formed.

The Destination

This universe stands as a creative response to not just that judgment, but to anything that feels remotely unjust—transforming past isolation into a warm space for good company, shared joy, and authentic belonging.

The Timeline of the Universe

The Seeds: Born from childhood observations of human behavior, difference, and resilience.

2016 - 2018: The characters developed over time, evolved, and became hard-core creative expressions. The very first stories from this universe were written, read aloud, and heard.

2020 - 2023: The world took on a more concrete, defined, and visual shape. And the characters, their development, and stories made their official public debut around this time.

2026: With the anticipated launch of the Fairytale Fireplace in 2027, this universe is already beginning to move out of the pages of a book and into its permanent community residence at IGP, The Derecho, and its own books.

What It Houses

As this decade-long craft continues to unfold, it serves as the dedicated launchpad where:

Picture Books bring colorful, character-driven adventures to life.

Children’s Literature explores navigating the world when you feel different.

Books for Kids arrive to celebrate pure imagination, comforting stories, and whimsical fun.

“When you have spicy lemon pickle,
have it with curd, rice and good company.”

— Reena Doss / R.R., Editor-in-Chief