top of page

Daisy Nanni

Grade: 11

Location: New Hope, Pennsylvania

Business Name:

Twiddlebury Twig

Revenue: $1,000

At just 16 years old, Daisy Nanni has turned her dream of becoming an author and illustrator into reality. As the creator of the children's book series Twiddlebury Twig, Daisy combines her passion for storytelling with her artistic talent. Her journey from idea to published book is as inspiring as it is impressive, which is why we are thrilled to award her a grant through the Formidable Fellowship.


How It All Began


Daisy has always loved books and art. Her dream of becoming an author and illustrator took shape when she started attending Middle Bucks Institute of Technology (MBIT), a trade school where she studies art and advertising design. There, Daisy learned how to format a book using Adobe InDesign, and her skills gave her the confidence to start working on her own project. She funded her first book with savings from her jobs at a natural market and a local stable.


“I always wanted to write a book,” Daisy shares. “Once I realized I had the skills and the money to make it happen, I knew I had to do it.”


The World of Twiddlebury Twig


Daisy’s debut book, George's Morning Routine, is set in the whimsical land of Twiddlebury Twig and helps children ages 2-6 develop healthy habits. The story follows George as he navigates his morning with charm and humor.


Daisy is already working on the second book in the series, George Meets a Friend, which introduces Puff the Guinea Pig. Together, George and Puff will embark on many adventures, including seasonal stories like a Christmas book and a fall festival tale. Inspired by classics like The Berenstain Bears, Daisy envisions a series that families will cherish for generations.


The Publishing Journey


Self-publishing a children’s book came with its challenges. Daisy spent hours researching paper quality, ink usage, and printing techniques to ensure her book would meet her high standards. She even called publishers directly to request sample books, ultimately choosing BookBaby for its excellent paper and print quality.


“I had to learn everything myself,” Daisy says. “From understanding ISBNs and copyrights to finding the right publisher, it was a lot of work, but it was worth it.”


Daisy’s first print run of 100 books cost between $1,300 and $2,000. She also invested in online distribution, allowing her books to be sold on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Each sale brings her about $7.50, after the publisher and retailers take their cuts.


Overcoming Challenges


Daisy’s journey wasn’t without obstacles. Her first batch of books had a low-resolution cover, making them unsellable. Thanks to a loan from her great-grandmother, Daisy was able to reorder the books and continue her business. She also learned to navigate the complexities of ISBNs and copyrights, ensuring her work is protected and ready for retail.


“Mistakes happen,” Daisy says. “But you can come back from them if you don’t give up.”


A Bright Future


Daisy dreams of turning Twiddlebury Twig into a beloved series with books for every season and adventure. Her ultimate goal is to see families collecting her books and enjoying them together, just as her own family cherishes their complete set of The Berenstain Bears.


“I want my books to bring joy and valuable lessons to kids,” she says. “Knowing that families are reading my stories makes all the hard work worth it.”


Why Daisy is Formidable


The Formidable Fellowship celebrates young people who embody creativity, determination, and vision. Daisy Nanni is all of these things and more. Her ability to turn a passion for storytelling into a thriving business is a shining example of what young entrepreneurs can achieve.


We are proud to support Daisy and can’t wait to see where her journey takes her next!


bottom of page