Q: First tell us something about yourself.
My name is Mark Villareal, and I am the author of 13 books. I first began writing Business and Leadership books, but over time I discovered a true passion for writing Children’s books. I created a six-book series titled The Adventures of Park Ranger Brock Cliffhanger & His Jr. Park Rangers, where Brock and his Jr. Park Rangers visit different State and National Parks to explore and learn about history, safety, preservation, wildlife, and plant life, while also learning important foundational values such as leadership, teamwork, kindness, and service to others.
Brock is written as a strong role model who leads with compassion, humility, and encouragement. One of the most meaningful lessons throughout the series is the importance of the Jr. Park Rangers learning to “Pay It Forward” by serving and teaching others.
I also created a website, BrockCliffhanger.com, which offers free downloads and resources for children and families to enjoy and continue learning about the parks featured in the stories.
In addition to the Brock Cliffhanger series, I recently released Shadow To The Rescue: A Love Story About A Lost Dog And A Family, a heartfelt story centered on love, family, hope, and the special bond between people and animals.
Q: How and when did your journey start as a writer?
I spent 35 years in Corporate America, with the last 21 years serving at the C-Level, reporting directly to CEOs and Presidents of organizations. During that time, I developed a deep passion for leadership and for helping provide resources that encouraged the growth and development of employees and teams.
That passion eventually inspired me to begin sharing my own experiences and lessons through storytelling. My first book was titled Shortcuts Get You Lost: A Leadership Fable On The Dangers Of The Blind Leading The Blind. As I continued writing and blogging, I found myself reflecting often on the wisdom and guidance my mother gave me throughout my life. That led me to write Leadership Lessons From Mom, because I truly believe my mother was one of the greatest leadership coaches I have ever known, even though she chose the humble and loving role of being a housewife.
Over time, my heart shifted toward writing children’s stories because I firmly believe that if we do not teach and guide our children with strong values, the world will teach them instead. Writing these books is my way of doing my small part to encourage kindness, leadership, compassion, courage, and serving others.
Q: Tell us something more about your book series.
The book series was truly born out of love. My wife, Laura, is a retired nurse, and through her work we met a young infant named Jack, whom she cared for. Over time, Jack’s parents became dear friends and like family to us, and Jack became like an adopted grandchild in our hearts.
At that time, I traveled frequently for work, and whenever I visited special places, I would often send Jack gifts related to those adventures, such as an astronaut uniform from the Smithsonian. During my travels, I also came across Jr. Park Ranger materials, including pamphlets, badges, and patches, which sparked an idea.
I created the character of Park Ranger Brock Cliffhanger and wrote a letter from Brock to Jack, inviting him to join the Jr. Park Ranger Program. From there, I began sending him packages that included Park Ranger gear, books, badges, a vest, and even a Ranger hat. His mother once told me how inspired and excited he was and said she wanted to tell him the packages were from me, but I asked her not to. My greatest joy was simply seeing his excitement and imagination come alive through the experience.
Soon, Jack began teaching his younger brother Warren and the neighborhood children what he was learning. Later, his younger sister A’Mayah joined in as well. One morning, I woke up realizing there was truly a children’s book hidden within this beautiful story, and I sat down and wrote the first book, The Adventures of Park Ranger Brock Cliffhanger & His Jr. Park Rangers: The Missing Hikers of Allegany State Park.
That story teaches children important safety lessons about preparing for hikes and what to do if they ever become lost outdoors, while still keeping the adventure exciting and fun.
Q: How did you create the magical system in your books and characters?
As I mentioned earlier, everything about these books was born from love and continues to be carried forward through that same spirit. My wife Laura and I deeply admire good parenting, and one of the ways we try to “Pay It Forward” is by naming many of the Jr. Park Ranger characters after children whose parents we truly respect and admire.
When families discover that their child’s name has become a character in one of the books, it brings so much joy and excitement not only to the parents, but especially to the children themselves. From there, I carefully develop each character’s personality and role within the story, while also making sure the books represent children from different backgrounds and experiences so young readers can learn to appreciate and value those differences.
In addition, I spend a great deal of time researching each State or National Park featured in the stories. Accuracy is very important to me. I work to ensure the history, wildlife, plant life, hiking trails, and locations are authentic and educational. I also make sure the activities and adventures within the stories involve real trails and experiences that would be safe and appropriate for children of Jr. Park Ranger age.
Q: Do you want to leave any message for your readers?
Yes — learn, explore, share, and always Pay It Forward. Follow good role models, but also strive to become one for others.
One of the greatest lessons I ever learned came from my mother. She once told me, “Mijo, one thing I ask of you, whatever you choose to become in life, is to be a good example in whatever you do. If you do this, I will smile down from heaven.”
Those words have stayed in my heart throughout my entire life, and I hope my books encourage children and families to lead with kindness, humility, courage, compassion, and love for others.
