Read the new children’s adventure book
filled with fun and real life meaning
A compass found in Arizona sand leads the four Javelina Cousins–Hank, Holly, Victor and Lulu–on a search for a mysterious treasure based on a story their Grandpa tells them one night.
But is the compass really a ‘Magic Compass’ that will help them?
Is there really a big pile of gold hidden in the old cabin in the Chuk-son desert forest?
Are they safe surrounded by unfriendly desert creatures?
And what do the four cousins learn about life from their adventures?
The answers are in the paperback edition ready for you and your child or grandchild to read now on Amazon.
Not sure? Read Chapter One of this javelina tale here.
Children’s Adventure Fiction
A desert quest for young readers in a setting that is very like the Sonoran desert during the monsoon season. (And one javelina wears a tutu gracefully.)
Senior and Retirement Guides
Practical, inspiring guides for seniors and retirees including the best-selling ‘Working After Retirement’. All are in paperback and Kindle Unlimited too.
Romance
Love stories for the seasons of your life from San Francisco in the 1960s to Los Angeles today. Both are on Kindle Unlimited.
Vampire fiction
Not even remotely like your traditional vampires. These will bring a smile to your face. Both are on Kindle Unlimited.
Hi. I’m glad you stopped by today. I’m Carol Lightwood, author of several non-fiction guides for Seniors. Under the nom de plum of Annie Carroll I also write fiction, mostly romances of one genre or the other. (Even the vampires find love!)
I came to writing children’s literature late in life, although I clearly recall the stories I made up for my two sons when they were little. One, in particular, featured a little boy digging a hole to China from our home in San Francisco. If I remember correctly, the little boy gave up and met a new friend nearby whose family was from China. Anyway, it was fun and, I have to tell you, writing a children’s story now is pure joy, especially because in the decades since the dig-to-China story I spent writing for major corporations. Those corporate days are behind me now.
Click here to go directly to the Javelina Cousins. They’re waiting for you.
Blogs
I also write several blogs. The most active one is about Tucson, where I now live.
Hot Gardens – gardening in hot dry climates
I Saw It in Tucson – unexpected Tucson
LA City Pix – images of people and events around Los Angeles
Wandering Lady – travels across the Southwest and South
Las Vegas Neighborhoods
Long Beach Neighborhoods
Real Life Retirement
Retired and Still Working
Entire website, wording, design, photos © Copyright. 2026 Carol Lightwood All Rights Reserved.
