Author Showcase: Lakeisha Vincent on Keekaloo Imagines: The Next Journey

As a fellow creative based in the Albany, NY area, I’m thrilled to highlight local author and educator Lakeisha Vincent, whose Keekaloo Imagines series celebrates the power of childhood wonder and imagination. I had the pleasure of meeting Lakeisha at A Bookish Market at The Common Roots Albany Outpost, where she generously signed a copy for a friend’s child (who absolutely loves the book). In the weeks that followed, I was overjoyed to be given the opportunity to work with her as her editor on her latest release, Keekaloo Imagines: The Next Journey.

A longtime elementary educator with a passion for storytelling, Lakeisha brings her memories, curiosity, and love for learning to life through her books. Her latest work, Keekaloo Imagines: The Next Journey, takes readers beyond the classroom and into the stars.

What first sparked the idea for the Keekaloo Imagines series?

Keekaloo Imagines was inspired by my childhood memories of spending time at my grandparents’ house. It was a two-family brick home; my grandparents lived upstairs, and my aunt lived downstairs. She’s actually the one who gave me the nickname “Keekaloo.” I took that special name, along with fond memories of the household items and spaces in their home, and let my imagination run wild to create the story.

The idea for the second book came from my fascination with space and my time spent in classrooms with those colorful, educational carpets. One day, I noticed a science-themed rug and thought, “What if that could take children on an adventure?” From there, The Next Journey began to take shape.

What can young readers expect from The Next Journey?

They can look forward to joining Keekaloo and her friends on an exciting imaginary space journey! This adventure unfolds in a classroom setting, which makes it easy for kids to picture themselves right in the middle of the action. Like the first installment, it’s a story about curiosity, friendship, and the joy of exploring the unknown.

You mentioned that Keekaloo was your nickname growing up. How much of yourself do you see in the character?

Quite a bit! Just like Keekaloo, I spent so much of my childhood at my grandparents’ house that it felt like a second home. I learned how to tell time on the yellow clock, and often played with the glass doorknobs (both items are topics in the first Kekaloo story).  I even used to slide down the banister, just like Keekaloo does in the book! So in many ways, she reflects my own sense of wonder and creativity as a child.

What do you hope readers (both children and adults) take away from your books?

My biggest hope is that readers feel a sense of connection. For kids, I want them to see themselves in Keekaloo’s imagination and adventures. For adults, I love it when the story brings back fond memories of their own childhoods. Hearing from readers who say Keekaloo Imagines reminded them of growing up has been such a joy. I want the books to spark nostalgia, curiosity, and a belief in imagination at any age.

As you developed The Next Journey, did you face any new challenges compared to your first book?

Definitely. The Next Journey took a little longer to write because it’s a more complex story with a larger cast of characters. Crafting their conversations and interactions took time, and I had to be much more intentional about describing the illustrations so the visuals matched the words. It was challenging, but incredibly rewarding to see how much Keekaloo’s world could expand.

What part of the editorial process stood out to you the most?

I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly I received feedback. The turnaround time was fast, and the comments were detailed and specific. The editing prompts guided me step-by-step through revisions, which was especially helpful as it was my first time working with an editor. It made the process approachable and user-friendly, not intimidating.

How did collaborating with an editor shape your work overall?

Working with an editor was a great experience. Their feedback helped strengthen the dialogue and improve the flow of the story. The mix of required and optional suggestions helped me see things I might have missed on my own. Having that partnership saved me a lot of time and gave me confidence in the final version.

What’s next for Keekaloo—or for you as a writer?

Right now, I’m brainstorming ideas for a third Keekaloo book. I have a few character names and traits in mind, but the storyline is still developing. I’m excited to see where the next adventure leads, and how Keekaloo and her friends will continue to grow.

I’m excited as well! It was such a joy to reconnect with Lakeisha for this interview, and I’m looking forward to our next opportunity to work together or promote one another’s work in the future.

Lakeisha Vincent is an elementary educator from upstate New York with a Bachelor of Arts in English, a Master of Science in Elementary Education, and a certification in Educational Leadership. When she’s not teaching, Lakeisha enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, acting, and of course, writing! Her books are available for purchase here. You can connect with her on Instagram @author_kv or TikTok @Author_KV, or at her upcoming author events:

Sunday, November 9th, 2025, 12–3 PM: Schenectady Trading Company, Schenectady, NY

Sunday, November 23rd, 2025, 3–5 PM: Paper Moon Books, Troy, NY