In Uni’s Quest for Kindness, Carnation-based author and SnoValley Pride founder Greg Jamiel brings the Snoqualmie Valley to life through a heartwarming tale of friendship, self-acceptance, and community.
The story follows Uni, a unicorn who embraces their uniqueness, as they journey through local towns like Carnation, Duvall, Fall City, and North Bend. Along the way, Uni and their best friend Benny the bear meet a growing cast of woodland animals, each with their strengths and stories.
From helping a salmon navigate a blocked river to rescuing a rabbit in need, the friends learn that kindness, courage, and celebrating differences make the world, and their valley, a more beautiful place.
Set against the backdrop of familiar landmarks like the Snoqualmie River and Snoqualmie Falls, the story closes with a gentle reminder that the Earth, like each of us, deserves care and kindness.
Uni’s Quest for Kindness is a beautifully written, deeply affirming children’s book that shines with heart, purpose, and Pacific Northwest charm. Greg Jamiel has created more than just a story; he has crafted a tribute to the Snoqualmie Valley and the power of being true to oneself.
From the very first page, readers are drawn into a lush, magical world where unicorns roam Carnation meadows and bears nap under trees along the Snoqualmie River. Each character Uni meets adds a layer of meaning and warmth, from clever coyotes to strong elk, each one teaching children that gifts come in all shapes, sizes, and personalities. The message is clear, yet never preachy: our differences are not flaws, but rather magic.
Jamiel’s poetic language and loving attention to place create a story that feels both fantastical and deeply rooted in the local landscape. The accompanying illustrations are vibrant, whimsical, and full of heart, bringing each character to life with charm and personality. From Uni’s rainbow mane to the swirling mist of Snoqualmie Falls, every page is a visual celebration of uniqueness and community.
Printed on behalf of SnoValley Pride, Uni’s Quest for Kindness also uplifts the values of inclusion and belonging. It is a joyful, meaningful addition to any child’s bookshelf and a love letter to the Valley itself.
This is the kind of book that families will return to again and again, not just for the story, but for the feeling it leaves behind: that you are loved, you belong, and you shine brightest when you are true to yourself.
Behind the Book: A Conversation with Author Greg Jamiel
Greg Jamiel’s inspiration for Uni’s Quest for Kindness is deeply personal. “The story was inspired by my own journey growing up queer in a time and place where being yourself wasn’t safe,” he shared. “Through Snovalley Pride, I’ve seen the healing power of creating spaces where people feel seen, loved, and supported, and I wanted to offer that same feeling to kids through this story.”
The unicorn at the heart of the tale, Uni, is based on a real local figure. “Uni was inspired by Duke, the real-life unicorn of our Valley. With golden hooves and a rainbow mane, Duke reminded us that believing in something beautiful and impossible is actually the most real thing of all. Though he passed away in late June, his spirit lives on in this book and in the magic of Snovalley Pride.”
Each animal character in the book represents a different Snoqualmie Valley community, from Duvall to Fall City. “Placing each animal in a specific town helped ground the story in the real magic of our community,” Jamiel said. “These animals truly live here, and each town has its own unique landscape and spirit.”
He also drew inspiration from the region’s landscape and quiet beauty. “Much of the language in Uni’s Quest for Kindness was inspired by quiet moments spent on the trails, riverbanks, and forest paths of the Snoqualmie Valley. Whether it’s the mist rising off the Tolt River at sunrise, the golden light filtering through trees on the Snoqualmie Valley Trail, or the powerful stillness at the base of Snoqualmie Falls, this land speaks in a way that asks you to slow down and listen.”
Jamiel’s background, which spans Emmy-winning television design and yoga instruction, has contributed to the emotional resonance of the book. “At the heart of it all is a deep love for creating beauty through storytelling. Whether through film, design, or teaching, I’ve always aimed to help people feel more connected to themselves and the world around them. Yoga taught me compassion and presence, my creative work taught me how to craft stories that resonate emotionally. With Uni’s Quest for Kindness, I brought those threads together to create a heartfelt, magical story rooted in the Snoqualmie Valley, one that helps kids feel seen, inspired, and empowered.”
The book is also an extension of SnoValley Pride’s mission. “Uni’s Quest for Kindness reflects Snovalley Pride’s mission to create spaces where everyone feels seen, valued, and safe to be themselves. The story celebrates compassion, belonging, and the beauty of our differences, just like our events and community gatherings. It also honors our love for the land and the belief that healing grows when we care for each other and the Earth.”
“People often say that reading the book feels like being at a Snovalley Pride event, uplifting, joyful, and filled with heart. That’s the spirit we hope every reader carries with them.”
Above all, Jamiel hopes that readers of all ages will carry the story’s message with them. “I hope children, and their parents, walk away from Uni’s Quest for Kindness with a deeper appreciation that being different is something to celebrate. For members of our 2SLGBTQ+ community, we embody both masculine and feminine energies and experience the world from that unique viewpoint… that duality is not a flaw, it’s a gift. The story highlights how small acts of kindness, connection to nature, and honoring who we truly are can create powerful change.”
“Uni’s journey reminds us that everyone belongs. When we lead with love, empathy, and curiosity, we help create a more compassionate, inclusive world. That’s the message I hope stays with every reader.”
Uni’s Quest for Kindness will be available for purchase on the SnoValley Pride website beginning in August. To celebrate the release, SnoValley Pride will host a series of family-friendly Kindness Campfires where readers can meet author Greg Jamiel, enjoy live readings, and pick up signed copies.
[Do you know a local author? Are you a local author? Have you already read a book written by a local author and would like to submit a review? Email info@livingsnoqualmie.com to submit pieces or with questions/information.]
Comments
Great story – these kinds of local interest pieces are why I love local journalism