Dream inspires local author’s self-published books and educational game

Carol Madou displays copies of her children’s book When Pigs Can Fly! and promotional materials at a vendor event, where she continues to share her self-published books and educational board game with the community.

Casandra Turnbull

Managing Editor

A dream more than two decades ago sparked an idea that would shape the creative path of a local author and game creator.

“My first creative ideas was my boardgame in 2004. I don't really know how or why this idea came to me. But I had a dream one night and I drew the image of my game,” Carol Madou recalled.

That idea became Balancing Act Challenge, an educational board game designed to teach healthy eating based on Canada’s Food Guide. Madou’s son, who was 11 at the time, helped test early versions of the game, adding fun elements such as a challenge square and a Canadian flag square.

Inspired to publish it so it could be used as a teaching tool, Madou first had to obtain government permission because of copyright protections tied to Canada’s Food Guide. Once approval was secured, she began researching how to produce the game, working with a local graphic artist and printer.

“I am proud to say that my game is 100% Canadian,” she said.

Now, 21 years later, Balancing Act Challenge continues to be purchased by teachers and parents - something that still surprises her.

“And I am happily surprised that my game is still selling now, 21 years later. And so I am excited to share this!” she said.

One teacher who bought the game last November told Madou that interactive learning can be more effective than traditional instruction. “She said that by playing the game, the children may learn about nutrition. Instead of just hearing it from their teacher. She said ‘I could talk about nutrition until I'm blue in the face.’”

Seven years after creating the board game, Madou turned her attention to writing. While reading a mystery novel she found predictable, she thought, “I can do better than that.” She began drafting a mystery romance, novel but soon found inspiration for a children’s story. Her first published book in 2011 became When Pigs Can Fly!

Writing appears to run in her family. Her mother wrote many poems, and she later learned that her grandmother also wrote. She edited her motoher’s poems, found non-copyrighted pictures and published Dapple in 2020. Across all her books, Madou focuses on delivering positive messages.

“With all of my books, I wanted to share my stories and they all have a good message,” she said.

Themes of family, friendship, trust and forgiveness are central to her work.

“I feel that having a caring family and friendships are a great benefit towards having a positive life. In any good relationship, trust and forgiveness are needed,” she said, adding that she hopes readers, especially children, will apply those lessons in their own lives.

Her newest children’s book, published in 2025, But Frogs Eat Dragonflies!, addresses anti-bullying.

“The message I want young readers to take away is that we need to stand up against bullying; practice kindness and so everyone feels safe and included,” she said. “My story ‘But Frogs Eat Dragonflies!’ tells how friendship and trust are important, and bullying is wrong.”

After attempts at traditional publishing, Madou chose to self-publish. While comfortable with editing, she needed help navigating printing software, sourcing non-copyrighted images and finding illustrators for her children’s books. By reaching out to contacts and asking questions, she built the support network she needed.

“I am surprised at the change and growth in myself as I have done the marketing myself, with some good luck in asking the right questions to the right people,” she said. Writing, she emphasizes, is a hobby she is passionate about and that passion drives her forward.

Madou also encourages young aspiring writers, particularly those who feel they lack support.

“Some say they don't have much support from their family. But I tell them not to give up on their dream; I wrote my first book when I was 50 years old. They are young and can have a bright future,” she said. “I am not an expert, but it brings me joy when I can encourage someone.”

She continues to sell her books and Balancing Act Challenge at vendor shows and community events, sharing information through business cards and postcards with her contact details. Her books are currently available at Commonplace Books in Ingersoll. Looking back at everything she has created, from children’s stories to a mystery romance novel and an educational board game, Madou says she is proud of it all. But if she had to choose one accomplishment that stands out, it would be her game.

“It took much research and involved different companies & individuals. And it has lasted this long, despite the Canada's Food Guide being updated since 2004. I am happy that it is still being used as a teaching tool, as nutrition is an important issue,” she said.

For Madou, what began as a dream has grown into a lasting creative journey rooted in learning, encouragement and the belief that it is never too late to follow a passion.

If you're interested in obtaining a copy of Carol's books, reach out to her via email at  madouauthor@hotmail.ca