Julie McDonnell
Dr. Julie McDonnell, EdD, has always believed in the power of picture books to spark imagination and inspire learning. As a former elementary teacher with 30 years in education, she cherished using stories to engage her students. Now, as a devoted grandmother to Nadia and Callan, she finds endless inspiration in their curiosity and joy, reminding her of the timeless lessons of childhood.
This passion blossomed into Bailey and Buttons, a heartwarming series created to empower, inspire, and uplift children (and adults) while fostering meaningful connections through shared reading experiences. These stories focus on self-worth, self-acceptance, and emotional resilience.
Julie lives in St. Louis, Missouri, with her husband and family. A certified
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Natalie Horseman
Natalie Horseman is a passionate storyteller and nurse with nearly two decades of expertise in child and family development. Drawing from her background in healthcare, Natalie combines her knowledge of resilience, compassion, and personal growth with her love for writing. Her work spans from empowering stories of strength and overcoming adversity to playful, imaginative tales that spark curiosity in young readers. Whether guiding individuals through life's toughest moments or captivating children with lighthearted adventures, Natalie believes in the transformative power of storytelling to inspire and connect. Through her words, she encourages readers of all ages to embrace their inner strength and explore the world with wonder.
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Kathleen J. Shields
Kathleen J. Shields is an award-winning, multi-genre author best known for The Hamilton Troll Adventures, which earned First Place Best Educational Children’s Series from the Texas Association of Authors. Her childhood creation The First Unibear, written at age ten, has won six awards and counting. She also received global recognition for The First Unicorn and her Christian fiction trilogy, The Painting.
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While awaiting illustrations, Kathleen writes chapter books for tweens and general audiences, blending education with engaging stories to inspire a lifelong love of reading—and possibly writing. She openly shares her decades of knowledge with fellow writers, always eager to help others grow in their craft.
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Dana Wilson
I am a mommy to three wonderful boys. We practice connection parenting which prioritizes the parent-child relationship, with tools derived from gentle and positive parenting. After my third child was born, the new dynamics were a challenge for my boys and their relationships were strained. I searched high and low for a children’s book to help strengthen their sibling bonds; however, I couldn’t find anything similar enough (that they could relate to). So, I decided to write my first book about brothers, and then sisters. Many more to come!
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Kindra Westercamp
Kindra Westercamp is a mother to two little girls. She is also employed as a Clinical Psychologist in private practice in Charleston, SC. More than twenty years ago, on the first day of her PhD program, she introduced herself to her fellow graduate school cohort by stating a personal dream of hers. This dream was to write a children’s picture book. Unfortunately, this dream was placed on hold for many years. However, after years of battling neuroendocrine cancer, on January 1st, 2023 she said out loud to herself, “I am not waiting another moment! I’ll start writing this book today.” And since that day, this passion project has slowly but surely come to fruition.
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Kindra is passionate about introducing her two little girls to a wide range of b -
Marcy Pusey
Marcy Pusey is an award-winning author of many bestselling books for adults and children, an international two-time TEDx speaker, and the Founder of Miramare Ponte Press. With her passion for storytelling and commitment to uplifting others, Marcy loves inspiring her readers with powerful tales that touch the heart and stir the soul. She also enjoys helping fellow authors pursue their writing dreams by providing them with coaching, consultation, and publishing services.
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Marcy has spent her whole life helping others. Through her work as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor and Certified Trauma and Resilience Practitioner, she helps people discover the emotional tools and support they need to grow beyond trauma and embrace their lives to the f -
Karen B. Shea
Karen B. Shea is a writer, photographer, and nature lover. She lives in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with her family, two cats, and an assortment of wild critters that frequent her yard. It was actually one of those wild critters—a Mountain Beaver—that inspired Karen to write her first children’s book, "Clark the Mountain Beaver and His Big Adventure!"
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Karen's second children's book "A Bug-Lightful Discovery" was released in July 2024 and was inspired by her neighbor's granddaughter when a big alien-looking beetle landed on her porch. In this moment Karen knew this was an opportunity to teach the young and young at heart 'everything' has a purpose whether we know it or not!
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Carolyn Watkins
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Carolyn is a multi-award-winning author with a Master's degree in education. Her years as an elementary teacher and special education consultant have inspired her to write relatable stories that children love to read. Carolyn resides in New Hampshire. -
Lolisa Marie Monroe
Lolisa Marie Monroe is an award-winning children's author celebrated for her enchanting and inclusive storytelling. Known for her ability to blend warmth and empathy into timeless tales, Monroe's works inspire young readers to embrace acceptance and celebrate differences. With a deep love for animals and a passion for children’s literature, she crafts stories that entertain and foster a sense of compassion and understanding.
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Now based in Florida, Monroe shares her life with her husband, Scott. When she's not writing, she enjoys exploring her creativity behind the camera lens or in the kitchen, working on her upcoming cookbook. Monroe’s dream is to put many little books into little hands, ensuring every child can find joy, hope, and a sense o -
Melissa Kolb
Melissa Kolb is a certified secondary math and science teacher but has found the greatest joy in homeschooling her three children on their hobby farm in Tennessee.
Buy books on Amazon
Before having children, she was also a professional wedding photographer, but now uses her creative eye to design layouts and illustrations for her and her children's self-published books.
She and her three kids enjoy thinking up new ideas for writing books and creating illustrations while they sip hot cocoa at all times during the year.
Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/@HomespunStor...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/homespunstor...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homespunsto...
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/homespunsto...
It brings so much joy to see my words and/or il -
Bailey Clark
Meet Bailey Clark, our imaginative author who's making waves in sunny Florida alongside her husband and their trio of young children. She holds a Master of Architecture degree from the University of Kansas and co-owns the architecture firm "Clarkitecture" with her husband. Her passion for the world of design and geography sparked at a young age and has never stopped burning bright. When she's not creating rhyming tales, you'll find her seaside, engrossed in a good book, or out and about on a family adventure. Bailey's stories are your ticket to a world of wonder, so come along and join her on these literary adventures!
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Jennifer Junghans
Jennifer Junghans is a former journalist and editor whose work has appeared in numerous publications, including Capital Public Radio, Orion online, Fodor’s Travel, Science News Explores, E-The Environmental Magazine, TIME magazine (as a contributing reporter), Comstock's and her childhood favorite, Highlights for Children, among others. Her essays have also aired on PRX programs “Living on Earth” and “The World.”
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She still writes for a living, focusing on projects and workbooks that promote well-being and compassion for people, animals and the planet. She hopes her work helps make the lives of others just a little bit better.
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Rob Clare
Hi, I’m Rob — author, teacher, blogger and dad.
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I grew up in the UK fascinated by the underwater world. When I finally got the chance to scuba dive, I was hooked. That passion led me to become an instructor and live in the Caribbean before shifting to a more grounded calling: teaching. I’ve been a primary school teacher ever since, now living on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia.
As both a teacher and parent, I’ve seen how powerful stories can be for children — sparking curiosity, building values, and opening space for big questions. My writing began in educational publishing and a parenting blog for single dads, Just Dad It.
In April 2025, I published my first children’s book, Mima’s Choices — a story about decision-making and growi -
Kathleen J. Shields
Kathleen J. Shields is an award-winning, multi-genre author best known for The Hamilton Troll Adventures, which earned First Place Best Educational Children’s Series from the Texas Association of Authors. Her childhood creation The First Unibear, written at age ten, has won six awards and counting. She also received global recognition for The First Unicorn and her Christian fiction trilogy, The Painting.
Buy books on Amazon
While awaiting illustrations, Kathleen writes chapter books for tweens and general audiences, blending education with engaging stories to inspire a lifelong love of reading—and possibly writing. She openly shares her decades of knowledge with fellow writers, always eager to help others grow in their craft.
Kathleen also runs Kathleen’s Graphi -
Karen B. Shea
Karen B. Shea is a writer, photographer, and nature lover. She lives in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with her family, two cats, and an assortment of wild critters that frequent her yard. It was actually one of those wild critters—a Mountain Beaver—that inspired Karen to write her first children’s book, "Clark the Mountain Beaver and His Big Adventure!"
Buy books on Amazon
Karen's second children's book "A Bug-Lightful Discovery" was released in July 2024 and was inspired by her neighbor's granddaughter when a big alien-looking beetle landed on her porch. In this moment Karen knew this was an opportunity to teach the young and young at heart 'everything' has a purpose whether we know it or not!
Karen’s passion for nature continues to guide her to write and i -
J. Juniper
J. Juniper discovered her love for storytelling at an early age, often writing, directing, and performing plays with her friends in her family’s living room, complete with a curtain call for each scene.
Buy books on Amazon
At 17, she faced her father’s practical suggestion of pursuing nursing, a career choice her mother fully supported. Nearly thirty years later, Juniper remains a registered nurse in Houston, Texas.
Despite a rewarding career in healthcare, Juniper never lost her drive to express her creativity. This desire culminated in the release of her debut book, “Sneezy Bee Rose”, followed by “Silly Ant Sid”.
In addition to her professional life, she is a devoted mother of three and grandmother of five. When not working or spending time with her family, s -
Gail Kuhnlein
Gail Kuhnlein is “as happy as a lark” to publish her first children’s picture book. She’s been writing stories since she was young. She’s just as excited about her new picture book, Into the Thicket, published in August 2025.
Buy books on Amazon
Gail majored in journalism and public relations at Michigan State University. She worked in the field for over 30 years, most recently at the University of Michigan’s Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. People she met at UM were instrumental in publishing her picture books, a long-awaited dream come true. Serendipity helped several times along the way.
She savors life with her husband, Tim, just outside Ann Arbor, Michigan. They adore their two adult sons, Davey and Trevor and they bunk with the sweetest kitt -
Samantha Pillay
Dr Samantha Pillay OAM's journey is a testament to resilience, determination, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Diagnosed late with congenital hip dysplasia, she underwent multiple corrective surgeries during her childhood. Despite starting school in a wheelchair, Samantha graduated at 16, graduating in medicine from the University of Adelaide in 1992. She broke new ground by becoming the first female urological surgeon in South Australia. In 2025 she was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for her service to urology.
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Driven by a vision to provide specialized incontinence treatments to women in South Australia, Samantha became the first urologist in Australia to focus exclusively on female and functional urology. In 2002 she fo -
Melissa Kolb
Melissa Kolb is a certified secondary math and science teacher but has found the greatest joy in homeschooling her three children on their hobby farm in Tennessee.
Buy books on Amazon
Before having children, she was also a professional wedding photographer, but now uses her creative eye to design layouts and illustrations for her and her children's self-published books.
She and her three kids enjoy thinking up new ideas for writing books and creating illustrations while they sip hot cocoa at all times during the year.
Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/@HomespunStor...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/homespunstor...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homespunsto...
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/homespunsto...
It brings so much joy to see my words and/or il -
Bailey Clark
Meet Bailey Clark, our imaginative author who's making waves in sunny Florida alongside her husband and their trio of young children. She holds a Master of Architecture degree from the University of Kansas and co-owns the architecture firm "Clarkitecture" with her husband. Her passion for the world of design and geography sparked at a young age and has never stopped burning bright. When she's not creating rhyming tales, you'll find her seaside, engrossed in a good book, or out and about on a family adventure. Bailey's stories are your ticket to a world of wonder, so come along and join her on these literary adventures!
Buy books on Amazon -
Dana Wilson
I am a mommy to three wonderful boys. We practice connection parenting which prioritizes the parent-child relationship, with tools derived from gentle and positive parenting. After my third child was born, the new dynamics were a challenge for my boys and their relationships were strained. I searched high and low for a children’s book to help strengthen their sibling bonds; however, I couldn’t find anything similar enough (that they could relate to). So, I decided to write my first book about brothers, and then sisters. Many more to come!
Buy books on Amazon -
Kindra Westercamp
Kindra Westercamp is a mother to two little girls. She is also employed as a Clinical Psychologist in private practice in Charleston, SC. More than twenty years ago, on the first day of her PhD program, she introduced herself to her fellow graduate school cohort by stating a personal dream of hers. This dream was to write a children’s picture book. Unfortunately, this dream was placed on hold for many years. However, after years of battling neuroendocrine cancer, on January 1st, 2023 she said out loud to herself, “I am not waiting another moment! I’ll start writing this book today.” And since that day, this passion project has slowly but surely come to fruition.
Buy books on Amazon
Kindra is passionate about introducing her two little girls to a wide range of b -
Natalie Horseman
Natalie Horseman is a passionate storyteller and nurse with nearly two decades of expertise in child and family development. Drawing from her background in healthcare, Natalie combines her knowledge of resilience, compassion, and personal growth with her love for writing. Her work spans from empowering stories of strength and overcoming adversity to playful, imaginative tales that spark curiosity in young readers. Whether guiding individuals through life's toughest moments or captivating children with lighthearted adventures, Natalie believes in the transformative power of storytelling to inspire and connect. Through her words, she encourages readers of all ages to embrace their inner strength and explore the world with wonder.
Buy books on Amazon -
Jennifer Junghans
Jennifer Junghans is a former journalist and editor whose work has appeared in numerous publications, including Capital Public Radio, Orion online, Fodor’s Travel, Science News Explores, E-The Environmental Magazine, TIME magazine (as a contributing reporter), Comstock's and her childhood favorite, Highlights for Children, among others. Her essays have also aired on PRX programs “Living on Earth” and “The World.”
Buy books on Amazon
She still writes for a living, focusing on projects and workbooks that promote well-being and compassion for people, animals and the planet. She hopes her work helps make the lives of others just a little bit better.
She loves to bird, garden, read, paddle board, wander in nature, sculpt, experiment in the kitchen and travel, among m -
Tatiana Cox
Tatiana Cox is a passionate early childhood educator and children's book author dedicated to helping young readers develop social-emotional skills through the power of storytelling. Born in Brazil and now living in Sydney, Australia, she shares her life with her husband and son.
Buy books on Amazon
With a deep love for children’s literature, Tatiana believes stories have the power to shape hearts and minds. Through her books, she blends heartfelt storytelling with the magic of animals, using pets as gentle guides to teach children about kindness, resilience, and emotional well-being. More than just inspiring stories, her books provide practical, actionable tools to help children build confidence, manage emotions, and develop the skills they need to be their bes -
Rob Clare
Hi, I’m Rob — author, teacher, blogger and dad.
Buy books on Amazon
I grew up in the UK fascinated by the underwater world. When I finally got the chance to scuba dive, I was hooked. That passion led me to become an instructor and live in the Caribbean before shifting to a more grounded calling: teaching. I’ve been a primary school teacher ever since, now living on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia.
As both a teacher and parent, I’ve seen how powerful stories can be for children — sparking curiosity, building values, and opening space for big questions. My writing began in educational publishing and a parenting blog for single dads, Just Dad It.
In April 2025, I published my first children’s book, Mima’s Choices — a story about decision-making and growi -
J. Juniper
J. Juniper discovered her love for storytelling at an early age, often writing, directing, and performing plays with her friends in her family’s living room, complete with a curtain call for each scene.
Buy books on Amazon
At 17, she faced her father’s practical suggestion of pursuing nursing, a career choice her mother fully supported. Nearly thirty years later, Juniper remains a registered nurse in Houston, Texas.
Despite a rewarding career in healthcare, Juniper never lost her drive to express her creativity. This desire culminated in the release of her debut book, “Sneezy Bee Rose”, followed by “Silly Ant Sid”.
In addition to her professional life, she is a devoted mother of three and grandmother of five. When not working or spending time with her family, s -
Sonia Esgueira
Sonia is an award winning actress, a writer and a silly pants extraordinaire.
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She has written and starred in 5 one woman, multi-character satirical plays about growing up Portuguese, that played to sold out houses and critical acclaim for over a decade.
She co-wrote the Netflix rom-com "Do Your Worst!" and most recently wrote a children's book, "You are perfectly you!" inspired by her son a dinosaur aficionado.
Her first rom-com novel is due for release in late 2025.
Sonia loves slow mornings, strong coffees, dogs and making people laugh. She hopes her writing brings you as much joy as it does her. -
M. Chahine
M. Chahine is a Wisconsin native who lived in various parts of the United States during her youth and around the world as an adult. She enjoyed a creative and imaginative childhood filled with the stories of Dr. Seuss, Mother Goose and Curious George.
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The Dear World series was born from her experience teaching young children and love of nature and poetry.
After becoming a new mom, she is excited to share stories with her son and other children. She hopes her stories can nurture young hearts and minds. -
Jessy Carlisle
I publish books in languages I don't speak so children can read books in languages they do speak!
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Legends have always fascinated me. Do they give your children a sense of wonder too?
As an Australian poet, it's hard to find work in the Outback. But there are children all over the world struggling to learn how to read. Some of them have hardly any books in their native language.
That's why I created the Bilingual Legends series – to give as many children as possible the opportunity to read a story in their own native language. Usually, each book in the series is published in the language spoken in the land where that story originates. A typical book also includes the text in English, but in some cases Spanish, Portuguese, German, or another l -
Phyllis Wheeler
Phyllis Wheeler set a goal at age 13 to write a children’s book. That led to a journey with lots of detours. She’s written for daily newspapers, worked on airplanes as a mechanical engineer, and raised four children--doing some homeschooling along the way. Get to know her and get a free short story at PhyllisWheeler.com.
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Tatiana Cox
Tatiana Cox is a passionate early childhood educator and children's book author dedicated to helping young readers develop social-emotional skills through the power of storytelling. Born in Brazil and now living in Sydney, Australia, she shares her life with her husband and son.
Buy books on Amazon
With a deep love for children’s literature, Tatiana believes stories have the power to shape hearts and minds. Through her books, she blends heartfelt storytelling with the magic of animals, using pets as gentle guides to teach children about kindness, resilience, and emotional well-being. More than just inspiring stories, her books provide practical, actionable tools to help children build confidence, manage emotions, and develop the skills they need to be their bes -
Rochelle Pieterse
Rochelle Pieterse is a remarkable individual who was born on January 2, 1989, in Pretoria, South Africa. She is a loving wife and a proud mother of two beautiful boys who bring immense joy and happiness to her life. Famly is the cornerstone of Rochelle's existence, and she cherishes every moment spent wth her loved ones.
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One of Rochelle's defining qualities is her insatiable love for reading. She is a compulsive reader.Cooking is another passion that fills Rochelle's life with immense pleasure.
In addition to her roles as a wife, mother, avid reader, and talented cook, Rochelle is a compassionate and empathetic individual. She possesses a genuine desire to help others and make a posiitive impact in her community.
Rochelle's warm and nurturin -
Benjamin Lee
Meet Benjamin Lee, the world's most passionate donut critic, who has dedicated his life to exploring, tasting, and savoring every type of donut imaginable. With a palate as refined as it is sweet, Benjamin’s love for donuts began at an early age, when he first encountered the sugary, soft joy of a fresh glaze on a Saturday morning. Little did he know, that first bite would spark a lifelong obsession—a devotion that has led him on a deliciously unique journey.
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Benjamin is not just your average food critic. He is a man with a singular, unwavering focus: donuts. He’s tasted thousands—perhaps many thousands—of donuts across the globe, from the classic ring-shaped ones of New York to the more exotic varieties found in the bakeries of Europe. But -
Gail Kuhnlein
Gail Kuhnlein is “as happy as a lark” to publish her first children’s picture book. She’s been writing stories since she was young. She’s just as excited about her new picture book, Into the Thicket, published in August 2025.
Buy books on Amazon
Gail majored in journalism and public relations at Michigan State University. She worked in the field for over 30 years, most recently at the University of Michigan’s Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. People she met at UM were instrumental in publishing her picture books, a long-awaited dream come true. Serendipity helped several times along the way.
She savors life with her husband, Tim, just outside Ann Arbor, Michigan. They adore their two adult sons, Davey and Trevor and they bunk with the sweetest kitt -
Samantha Pillay
Dr Samantha Pillay OAM's journey is a testament to resilience, determination, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Diagnosed late with congenital hip dysplasia, she underwent multiple corrective surgeries during her childhood. Despite starting school in a wheelchair, Samantha graduated at 16, graduating in medicine from the University of Adelaide in 1992. She broke new ground by becoming the first female urological surgeon in South Australia. In 2025 she was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for her service to urology.
Buy books on Amazon
Driven by a vision to provide specialized incontinence treatments to women in South Australia, Samantha became the first urologist in Australia to focus exclusively on female and functional urology. In 2002 she fo -
Dottie Lee
Dottie Lee is an award-winning, bestselling author and dance professional who has spent her career empowering children and adults, including those with neurological and mobility challenges.
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Frances Flamingo Prima Ballerina was inspired by her students who needed reassurance when learning new choreography. Rather than just teaching dance steps, Dottie instills confidence—helping her students see that new steps aren’t hard, just new.
Growing up across the street from her town library, Dottie fell in love with books filled with adventure, mystery, and laughter, sparking a lifelong passion for storytelling. Now, through her heartfelt children’s books, she fosters self-confidence, inclusion, and empathy, creating relatable characters that resona -
Jon Cabrera
I write whenever inspiration hits. Usually it's at 12 midnight or when I wake up at 3:33 AM.
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Kelly Pratt
I am a born and raised Canadian and live on a farm in Alberta. I have a fascination with holistic healing. I try to incorporate this in all areas of my life. My passions include spending time with my family, and when I'm not doing this, you can find me playing with my tarot cards.
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After a life-altering accident, I knew it was time for something more- the universe delivered it. I have built an online community, and I am so excited to see where this new chapter takes me. Please feel free to follow this account, and let's do this together!