Building character, one story at a time.

Heartfelt books for young readers, families, and anyone looking for hope, from award-winning author and 25-year educator Vanessa Richardson Bagby.

Shop the books Watch the story

THE FRENCHIES REBELLION · BAGBY

SHATTERED · BAGBY

WALK BY FAITH · BAGBY

The Frenchies Rebellion

Three Frenchies. One home. Zero plans for sharing. A funny, heartwarming story about kindness and making room for one more.

$19.99, or signed from $25.00

Buy now Learn more

Three Frenchies. One home. Zero plans for sharing.

Life was perfect for Quavo, Aiko, and Nikko…

…until he arrived. A clumsy little Cane Corso named Onyx. He drooled. He played. He stole the spotlight!

The Frenchies had no choice.

It was time for a rebellion.

Missing socks. Top-secret plans. Operation Return-to-Sender.

Until they learned there’s enough love (and belly rubs) to go around.

Buy the book Meet the Frenchies

Scroll to play the story Skip the film

The books

A story for young readers, a true story for hard times, and a gentle guide for the journey of faith.

New · Children’s book, ages 5–18

The Frenchies Rebellion

Three French Bulldogs plot to send away the clumsy new Cane Corso puppy, until they learn there’s enough love to go around.

$19.99 Signed from $25.00

Buy now Learn more

Cover of Shattered: a lone motorcyclist on an empty highway at dusk, with the words No One Is Exempt

Memoir

Shattered in a Split Second

A mother’s true account of her family’s survival after her eldest son was struck by a distracted driver.

$12.88 ~~$16.95~~ On sale

Buy now Learn more

Inspirational nonfiction

Walk By Faith

Honest reflections on faith, hope, and wisdom, and the peace that comes from trusting God’s Word in hard times.

$9.99

Buy now Learn more

The Frenchies Rebellion

Three Frenchies. One home. Zero plans for sharing.

Life was perfect for Quavo, Aiko, and Nikko until he arrived: a clumsy little Cane Corso named Onyx. He drooled. He played. He stole the spotlight!

From missing socks to top-secret “Operation Return-to-Sender,” these clever pups will stop at nothing to take back their throne, until they learn that maybe, just maybe, there’s enough love (and belly rubs) to go around.

Written for ages 5–18: elementary (5–12), middle school (12–15), and young adults (15–18).

Choose your copy

Unsigned copy$19.99The classic edition

Signed by Vanessa$25.00Autographed by the author

Personalized and signed$30.00Signed to the name you choose

Buy now · $19.99

Every copy comes with a free pencil and a kindness activity brochure, and ships in 2–3 business days. For a personalized copy, type the name exactly as you’d like it written at checkout.

Meet the crew, and get discussion questions for your class

More to explore

Each of these has its own page. Tap a card to open it.

Meet the Crew Quavo, Aiko, Nikko, and Onyx, plus five discussion questions for classrooms and families. Open page

School Visits Interactive read-alouds for ages 5–18. See what a visit includes and send a request. Open page

Shattered in a Split Second Vanessa’s true story of tragedy, faith, and hope. Open page

Walk By Faith Trusting God through hard seasons, with two short excerpts. Open page

About Vanessa 25 years in the classroom, and moments with readers. Open page

In the press

Juicy Magazine’s Juicy Reads page, featuring Shattered in a Split Second

Juicy Magazine, 2012

Shattered in a Split Second was featured in the magazine’s “Juicy Reads” picks.

Award-winning author

Vanessa Richardson Bagby is an award-winning author, retired educator, and advocate for kindness, character development, and faith.

Speaking and interviews

Kindness and inclusion for young readers
Faith and perseverance after tragedy
Walking by faith through hard seasons

Invite Vanessa

Questions and answers

How do I get a signed or personalized copy?

Signed copies are available for The Frenchies Rebellion. Choose “Signed by Vanessa” ($25.00) or “Personalized and signed” ($30.00) when you order.

For a personalized copy, type the name exactly as you’d like Vanessa to write it.

How long does shipping take?

Orders are usually processed within 2–3 business days. You’ll receive tracking information once your order ships.

What ages is The Frenchies Rebellion for?

It was written for elementary students (ages 5–12), middle school students (ages 12–15), and young adults (ages 15–18). It’s also a favorite for classroom read-alouds and character education.

What comes with The Frenchies Rebellion?

Every copy includes a complimentary pencil and an educational activity brochure on kindness, acceptance, empathy, and positive choices.

How do I book a school visit?

Fill out the school visit request, or reach Vanessa directly at 845-659-1952 or VrbBooks@gmail.com.

What is your return policy?

Because of the nature of books, all sales are final. Signed and personalized books are made especially for you and can’t be refunded.

If your order arrives damaged or you receive the wrong item, contact us within 7 days and we’ll make it right.

Stay in touch

Be the first to hear about new books, school visits, and book signings.

Occasional updates from Vanessa. Unsubscribe anytime.

Call

845-659-1952

Email

VrbBooks@gmail.com

Follow

@ShatteredVRB on X

Inspired by four real dogs

Three playful French Bulldogs and one loyal Cane Corso, and the joy, love, and laughter they bring.

Quavo, Aiko and Nikko

The Frenchies. Their home, their couch, their rules, and they like it that way.

Onyx

The new pup. He drools, he plays, and he steals the spotlight.

For teachers, counselors and parents

The Frenchies Rebellion introduces age-appropriate lessons about empathy, inclusion, and positive choices. It helps children talk about bullying, friendship, and how our words and actions affect others.

Elementary (ages 5–12), middle school (12–15), and young adults (15–18)
Classroom read-alouds and character education
School counselors and anti-bullying programs
Parents, grandparents, birthdays, and holidays

Talk about it after reading

How did Quavo, Aiko, and Nikko feel when Onyx arrived? Have you ever felt that way?
Why do you think the Frenchies wanted to send Onyx away?
What could they have done to make Onyx feel welcome on his first day?
Think of someone new at your school. What is one kind thing you could do for them?
What does “there’s always room for one more” mean to you?

Ready to bring the Frenchies home, or into your classroom?

Choose your copy Book a school visit

Bring The Frenchies Rebellion to your students

Looking for an engaging author visit that inspires kindness, empathy, and acceptance? Vanessa’s interactive read-alouds are designed to encourage character development and meaningful conversations.

Interactive read-aloud
Vanessa brings Quavo, Aiko, Nikko, and Onyx to life, and students join in along the way.
Character conversation
A guided talk about kindness, inclusion, and choosing compassion over bullying, led by a 25-year educator.
Meet the author
Students ask their questions and see how a real book comes to life.

ElementaryAges 5–12
Middle schoolAges 12–15
Young adultsAges 15–18

Also a fit for school libraries, counselors, anti-bullying programs, and character education.

Shattered in a Split Second

When the world shuts down on you, and there’s nowhere to turn, what do you do?

When Vanessa’s eldest son was struck by a distracted driver while riding his motorcycle outside New York City, her family’s life changed in an instant.

Written from a mother’s perspective, this is an honest account of tragedy, perseverance, healing, and unwavering love. It is part mystery, part love letter to her son, and part testimony to God’s faithfulness.

Are facing an unexpected tragedy
Are searching for hope after loss
Want encouragement through faith
Love Christian memoirs and testimonies

$12.88 ~~$16.95~~ On sale

Buy now Featured in Juicy Magazine

What readers are saying

Very compelling… heartfelt true-life story that stayed with me long after I finished reading.

Eric

Clear, honest, and inspiring. I would encourage everyone seeking hope to read this book.

Gail

One of the most moving and heartfelt books I’ve read in a long time.

Judy

This book is truly an inspiration to all readers, men or women… A must read for all families who are dealing with tragedy in their lives.

Barbara Lopez

I cried, laughed and prayed with this family. I couldn’t put this book down, truly amazing.

Babs

This novel shows you that even through tragedy comes light.

CK

Walk By Faith Without Seeing God

Faith, as Vanessa lives it, isn’t a label. It’s a personal relationship with God, built on faith, hope, wisdom, and trust in His Word.

Encouragement to trust God during life’s challenges
Why a personal relationship with God matters
Biblical principles for hope, peace, and spiritual growth
Real-life reflections that inspire perseverance

$9.99

Order your copy Read a few pages

Faith isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about trusting the One who does.

The God I Know

The God I serve is a God of unconditional love, compassion, patience, understanding, mercy, and grace. He is a forgiving God of second, third, fourth chances and more.

Continue reading in the book

When I Met God

I don’t remember very much about my childhood years… But there is one exception: a memory I hold dear to my heart… I met God!

Continue reading in the book

Portrait of author Vanessa Richardson Bagby, smiling softly in front of a bookshelf

Hello, I’m Vanessa.

I’m an educator, children’s author, and advocate for kindness, acceptance, and character development.

For 25 years, I had the privilege of helping students learn, grow, and believe in themselves. Today, I continue that mission through stories that encourage empathy, inclusion, and thoughtful decision-making. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, librarian, counselor, or young reader, thank you for visiting.

Hometown: Mount Vernon, New York
Career: 25 years teaching and mentoring
Education: Degrees in Education and Community & Human Services
Writes: Children’s books, memoir, and inspirational nonfiction

Moments with readers

Launch celebrations and book signings with family, friends, and readers.

A guest browses a book beside stacks of books at a launch celebration

A crowd gathers at the book launch, decorated with blue and white balloons

Guests seated in a restaurant for the book launch, with balloons and flowers

Vanessa signs books for smiling readers at a table stacked with copies

Building character, one story at a time.

The Frenchies Rebellion

Three Frenchies. One home. Zero plans for sharing.

The books

The Frenchies Rebellion

Shattered in a Split Second

Walk By Faith

The Frenchies Rebellion

More to explore

In the press

Juicy Magazine, 2012

Award-winning author

Speaking and interviews

Questions and answers

Stay in touch

You’re on the list!

Inspired by four real dogs

Quavo, Aiko and Nikko

Onyx

For teachers, counselors and parents

Talk about it after reading

Bring The Frenchies Rebellion to your students

Interactive read-aloud

Character conversation

Meet the author

Request a school visit

Thank you!

Shattered in a Split Second

What readers are saying

Walk By Faith Without Seeing God

The God I Know

When I Met God

Hello, I’m Vanessa.

Moments with readers