My name is Olivia Stoumbos and my art website will be launching this summer. In the meantime, I'm excited to showcase my latest collaboration with children's book author, Darrin DeReus, where I was given the opportunity to bring the character of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, named Zuzu, to life! A big thank you to Mr. Darrin for this opportunity and to my elementary school, Saint Thomas More, for inviting us to share the story of Zuzu with the STM community.
Book Order &
Author Signing
Former Saint Thomas More student, Olivia Stoumbos, collaborates with local author, Darrin DeReus, to illustrate her first children's book, bringing the story of Zuzu to life!
Limited-edition copies of Zuzu's Big Move, along with the accompanying coloring and activity book is now available. Order before April 15th to have them in time for the author visit and book signing at Saint Thomas More on April 16, 2026 in the STM Library!
Meet Zuzu
Zuzu is a rare black Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. She is seen here (in the rear) with her little sister, Minnie.
She is 5 years old and loves cuddles.
She snores when she sleeps and enjoys cozy naps.
She loves watching squirrels play outside the window.
She feels happiest when she is close to her sisters (Minnie–her dog sister; and Phoebe–her older cat sister)
She loves being with her family and feels safest when everyone is together.
Zuzu's Big Move
Moving is a big adventure, but for Zuzu, it feels a little scary! Boxes are everywhere, her favorite things are packed and nothing looks the same. But with a little sniffing, exploring, and tail-wagging, Zuzu discovers that home isn’t about where you are—it’s about who you’re with! This book is a heartwarming rhyming story for kids about change, comfort, and family.
8.5" x 8.5" full-color, 36 interior pages: $15.00
Darrin DeReus is a retired military officer who, along with his family, moved eighteen times over thirty years of their military service. Inspired by the challenges his own children faced during those moves, he wrote Zuzu's Big Move to help young readers understand that change, while sometimes scary, can also bring growth, love and new adventures.
Darrin lives in Virginia with his wife, also retired military, their curious Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Zuzu and Minnie, and their wise feline sister, Pheobe.
Zuzu’s Big Move is a heart-warming story about a King Charles Cavelier named Zuzu, who learns how to navigate the changes of moving to a new home. Despite her initial fears, Zuzu discovers that home isn't about where you are – it's about who you're with.
Beautifully illustrated, this book offers comfort, clarity, and reassurance to children experiencing big changes.