Tiffany J. McCarthy

The stories came from the places she loves most

Tiffany J. McCarthy is the author and illustrator of the Sage & Elle children's book series. She lives on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, surrounded by the lighthouses, sandy beaches, and cobblestone streets that inspire every page of her books.

The idea for Sage & Elle was born on a quiet evening watching the sunset over Nantucket Sound. Tiffany was sketching in her notebook, drawing two little girls holding hands on a beach, and she knew instantly that their story needed to be shared with the world.

Sage is curious, brave, and always the first to say "let's go see!" She's named after the herb that grows wild along the Cape's walking trails.

Elle (short for Janelle) is thoughtful, creative, and the one who notices the little things everyone else misses. She carries a sketchbook everywhere she goes, just like Tiffany does.

Each book in the series is set in a real place that Tiffany has personally visited and researched. The New England adventures draw from years of living on the Cape, walking the same beaches and harbors that Sage and Elle explore. The international adventures bring that same warmth and authenticity to cities around the globe.

The illustrations start as pencil sketches in Tiffany's notebook, then come to life digitally with layers of warm color and soft texture. Every detail matters: the pattern on Sage's dress, the shade of blue in Elle's backpack, the way lighthouse beams cut through the evening fog.

Tiffany believes children's books should feel like a warm hug from a good friend. No villains, no scare tactics, no lessons learned through shame. Just two friends being kind, curious, and brave in a beautiful world.