About the Project
The Life & Times of Zephyr Wood is a richly illustrated children’s series about a boy who discovers courage, friendship and hope through the game he loves most—baseball. Told with warmth and nostalgia, Zephyr’s story spans from his earliest sandlot days through a lifetime of lessons learned both on and off the field. The series celebrates the resilience of childhood and the belief that, even in life’s hardest innings, love and play can still win the day.
Raising Awareness
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From its very beginning, Zephyr Wood has been about giving back. Each edition is dedicated to helping real children and families facing serious health and life challenges. A percentage of all profits goes toward children’s health and wellness initiatives—especially those supporting pediatric cancer research and family-centered care. Our goal is to make sure Zephyr’s story doesn’t just inspire kids, but also helps them in tangible, lasting ways.
Our Educational Angle
Every Zephyr Wood story is an opportunity to learn, reflect, and create. Designed with parents, teachers, and librarians in mind, the books explore themes of perseverance, empathy, and the value of teamwork. Accompanying resources—such as discussion questions, art prompts, and writing activities—invite young readers to connect Zephyr’s adventures to their own lives, building emotional literacy alongside imagination.
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About the Author
R.M. Usatinsky is a Chicago-born writer, educator and father of five. A former little leaguer and lifelong Cubs fan, he spent many years working with children and families at Chicago’s Children’s Memorial Hospital, where he founded the Children’s and Family Resource Library. After a long career in education, he now lives in The Hague, Netherlands, where Zephyr Wood was created as both a tribute to childhood and a testament to the enduring power of stories, baseball and hope.
About the Illustrator
Elliot Bloom is a creation of writer R.M. Usatinsky—an imaginative collaboration between author and artifice. Conceived as part of Usatinsky’s creative partnership with artificial intelligence, Bloom serves as both illustrator and visual archivist for The Life & Times of Zephyr Wood. Working within what they call the “Zephyr Wood Canonical Style,” Bloom’s painterly, nostalgic imagery brings warmth and timeless charm to Zephyr’s world.
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While the current illustrations beautifully capture the spirit of the series, they are regarded as placeholders—visual stepping stones toward a future collaboration with a professional human illustrator once the project reaches publication.