Meet Your Playground Guide

Uncle TL

T.L. Johnson · Children’s Author & Creator

Uncle TL is the friendly guide of Uncle TL's Playground, where stories, songs, and imagination come together to inspire young dreamers. Whether he's sharing a book, creating a new rhyme, or leading kids toward their next adventure, Uncle TL believes every child has the power to dream big, learn boldly, and become something amazing.

“Dream Big, Dream Often.”
Enter the Playground Read His Story
Uncle TL smiling in his Dream Big outfit in the city, pointing toward young dreamers

The Story Behind the Guide

The author behind Uncle TL

Before there was Uncle TL’s Playground, there were books, school visits, and readers bringing Mini Monarchs characters to life.

Behind Uncle TL is T.L. Johnson, a children’s author and the creator of the Mini Monarchs. His work brings Black characters, big imaginations, and everyday values into stories children can make their own.

That purpose reaches beyond the page. Over the years, Johnson has shared his books at school visits, community celebrations, and reader events. Families have explored the stories together, and young readers have dressed as Nefertiti and Cleopatra with the books in hand.

Today, that creative journey continues through Uncle TL’s Playground: books, music, episodes, games, and activities that invite children to dream big, stay curious, and see themselves as part of the adventure.

What Uncle TL Believes

Big Dreams Grow From Strong Values

Every adventure is built to help children feel seen, stay curious, practice courage, and believe in what they can become.

Kindness Imagination Courage Confidence
EncouragingCuriousWiseFunnyCreativeAdventurous

Stories Children Make Their Own

From the page into their world

A crown, a favorite character, a book held proudly. These reader-shared moments show Mini Monarchs stories becoming part of children’s own play and imagination.

Young reader dressed as Nefertiti holding Nefertiti and the Great Lake
Nefertiti, brought to life by a young reader.
Young reader dressed as Cleopatra holding Cleopatra the Wise
A young Cleopatra with Cleopatra the Wise.
Young reader dressed as Nefertiti for a dress-up day
A reader’s Nefertiti dress-up moment.

Books that bring families together

At the Shrine Imani celebration, readers of different generations explored stories and activities together. These are the everyday encounters behind the books.

A family looking through children's books at a community celebration
A family exploring books at the Shrine Imani celebration.
An adult sharing The Superhero in You with a young child
Sharing The Superhero in You with the next generation.
Children looking through books at a community book table
Young readers discovering stories at the community book table.
A smiling reader holding Mini Monarchs books at an event
A reader with Nefertiti, Ramses, and Cleopatra at a book event.

Meet the Stories

A kingdom begins with a book

The Mini Monarchs invite young readers into stories of courage, kindness, responsibility, and possibility. Meet the characters, explore the books, and find a story to share with your family.

Explore the Books

Along the Journey

Community moments & press

A look at the people, places, and conversations that have been part of T.L. Johnson’s work.

T.L. Johnson with event attendees beside Mini Monarchs character standees

Community Milestone

Black Excellence Night

T.L. Johnson with attendees and Mini Monarchs characters at Black Excellence Night.

Featured on FOX 26 Houston

February 19, 2019

Sharing the mission on Houston’s Morning Show

FOX 26’s Melissa Wilson and Sally MacDonald spoke with T.L. Johnson about his goal of bringing diversity to children’s books.

The interview offers an early look at the purpose behind the stories that continue to grow today.

Watch the FOX 26 Interview

Bring that imagination to your young readers

See Uncle TL in action and explore a visit or program for your school, library, or community.

School & Daycare VisitsLibrary & Community Programs

Learn, Play, and Grow

Three Ways to Join Uncle TL

Music, episodes, and stories work together to turn learning into one connected adventure.

Music

Sing & Learn

Educational songs make school lessons, daily routines, movement, and imagination easier to remember.
Listen to School Time

Watch

Learn & Grow

Full episodes connect Uncle TL’s songs with stories, discovery, and activities children can continue at home.
Watch Episode 1

Explore

Visit the Playground

Choose among five universes, discover free activities, and begin a brand-new story.
Enter the Playground

Create With Uncle TL

Free Activities for Big Imaginations

Start building a game, anime character, kingdom, invention, or superhero today.

Explore All Free Activities
Woman in a purple dress with gold patterns reading a book in a cozy room.

Uncle TL’s Storytelling Partner

Meet Ms. Amara

Ms. Amara is the beloved storyteller of Storybook Lane, where every book she opens becomes the beginning of a brand-new adventure. With kindness, wisdom, and a little bit of magic, she helps children discover that imagination can take them anywhere.

Every Story Opens a New World.

Discover Storybook Lane

From Uncle TL

Ideas for Learning and Growing

Schools, libraries & communities

Bring Uncle TL to your school or event

Plan a visit filled with stories, music, and imagination. Explore options for your students, young readers, and families.

Plan a school or daycare visit Plan a library or community program

Dream Big, Dream Often

Your Next Adventure Starts Here

Choose a world, open a story, create something new, and never stop wondering what is possible.

Enter Uncle TL’s Playground