Christopher Sandoe has built a career spanning music production, television appearances, and two decades of public service. Now he’s venturing into children’s literature alongside his 12-year-old daughter Zairah with their debut book, “Zairah’s World: Bump, Set, Soar!”
The transition from music studios to children’s books about sports and self-confidence might seem unexpected, but Sandoe’s career has always defied simple categorization. His music has appeared on VH1 and TBN’s JUCE TV, and he’s produced tracks for Daz Dillinger of the Dogg Pound. His collaborations include work with billboard-charting artists like Ruslan KD, Beleaf, Eshon Burgundy, Daniel Steele, and John Givez.
Beyond the recording booth, Sandoe has appeared on JUCE TV for interviews and live performances, and even showed up on Lifetime’s reality series “Little Women LA.” His day job with the state of California for over 20 years earned him a superior accomplishment award from former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.
A Collaborative Approach to Storytelling
What sets their book apart is its dual authorship. Writing with both a parent’s and child’s perspective gives the story an authenticity that single-author children’s books often lack. The book tackles themes that resonate with today’s young readers: Christian values, anti-bullying, and overcoming self-doubt, all wrapped in a story that centers on sports and anime.
The target readership is specific but broad. Parents looking for stories that reinforce positive values have one set of priorities. Young girls interested in sports and trying new activities have another. Teachers and librarians searching for inspiring stories for their collections represent yet another audience. The book attempts to speak to all three groups simultaneously.
Plans for a Series
The Sandoes aren’t treating this as a one-off project. They’re planning a series of children’s books, with ambitions to make what they call “a positive impact in the lives of young readers.” Their stated goal is spreading a redemptive gospel message through children’s literature, positioning their work within the growing market for faith-based children’s content.
For Sandoe, this represents another chapter in a career marked by creative pivots. From producing hip-hop tracks to public service to reality television to co-authoring children’s literature with his daughter, he’s demonstrated a willingness to explore different forms of storytelling and creative expression.
Whether the father-daughter team can translate Sandoe’s entertainment industry experience into success in children’s publishing remains to be seen. But their collaborative approach and specific focus on themes like anti-bullying and self-confidence tap into concerns that many parents, educators, and young readers share. “Zairah’s World: Bump, Set, Soar!” is available now, marking the beginning of what they hope will be a long-running series.