Blog Archives
A Quest of Creativity
Dim the Moon is a dreamlike picture book in which moonlight awakens a rooster and the farm seeks slumber once more, reminding young readers that even the liveliest nights must come to rest. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
My rooster, General, was a funny fellow. I would hear him crow and think… The moon must be too bright. Have you ever stood by the window and looked out at a full moon? If you have, then you know what I mean. But I also felt reassured. I knew when he crowed that all was well on “the farm.” Even if it was the middle of the night. Then he’d settle down again and have his second sleep. Something my children often did when they were very small.
How did you approach the balance between whimsy and the underlying message about the importance of rest?
I wanted the words to be simple, so the illustrations could have a chance to speak. Dim the Moon is just as fun to look at as it is to read. A second bedtime story, for when our eyes and minds are too tired to focus on anything overly complicated, but we still need a minute or two to settle.
The illustrations are fantastic. Did you collaborate with an artist, or are they your own work?
I took my strengths as a photographer and created the illustrations. Popcorn kernels as fireflies, pickles, and watermelon made frogs. It was a treasure hunt, a quest of creativity, to find the perfect landscape and item to make my detailed illustrations. I carried a white piece of paper with me to use as a background for random leaves or grasses I might come across. A puzzle of cut and paste, repeated for hours. You’ll find a tiny hidden self-portrait, a signature in the eyes of the owl.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
Children’s Picture Books:
Theodore Won’t Float Summer 2025
Pumpkin Surprise Fall 2025
Magic Makers Winter 2025
Friendship Feathers TBD
Just Too Sweet (Type 1 Diabetes) TBD
Young Adult:
Hearts on Paper Summer 2025
New Releases:
Hurricane Stew
Dim The Moon
Preorder:
The Gobblers (Nov. 25 2025 Clavis Publishing)
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Author-illustrator E. G. Creel takes a playful and imaginative approach to her artwork, using photographs of objects found in her garden and pantry to bring the story to life. Pickles become frogs, corn kernels glow as fireflies, and an owl is cleverly crafted from a pinecone, a chicken feather, and an apple slice. The moon itself is a moonflower, softly blooming on the page. Look closely and you’ll spot the artist’s “secret signature” —a tiny self-portrait waving from the owl’s eyes.
Silly, Awkward Moments
Missy Moo and the Great Fart Mishap is a playful and heartfelt picture book about a dancing cow, an accidental toot, and the power of friendship and self-acceptance. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
My granddaughter has a passion for dancing, and all of my books draw inspiration from the hilarious antics of my grandkids. I have nine grandsons who, like most boys their age, find fart jokes absolutely hilarious.
How did you balance humor and a meaningful message without one overpowering the other?
I’m not a fan of books that lecture—I think sometimes it’s perfectly fine just to have fun. Life’s full of silly, awkward moments, and I’ve had my fair share of embarrassing ones. In those times, I always hope I’m not the only one in the room who’s been through something similar.
What was your collaboration process like with illustrator Zeeshan Shahid?
He was incredibly open to bringing my vision to life when it came to the characters. I shared several reference photos of how I imagined the farm animals, each with their own unique personality. For example, Mr. Pig had to have his signature glasses and Missy Moo—I pictured her as delightfully feminine, always showing off her dance moves with pride and flair.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I’m currently working on Merry Christmas Missy Moo and it should be ready by August—just in time for the holiday season!
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Missy Moo is the star of the farm, known for her epic dance moves and her unbeatable moonwalk! But one day, during her stroll through the barnyard, something unexpected happens, a loud and shocking fart escapes from Missy Moo and suddenly, all the animals are holding their noses and running for cover!
Embarrassed and upset, Missy Moo fears her friends will never see her the same way again. But when a wise old cat, a blushing owl, and a few other farmyard friends reveal their own embarrassing moments, Missy Moo learns an important lesson: friendship is about accepting each other, even when things get a little stinky!
Perfect for young readers who love to giggle and dance along!
Join Missy Moo and her friends as they find out how true friendship can survive even the most awkward of moments. Grab a copy of your dancing shoes and join the fun in this lighthearted and silly farmyard adventure!
Become Better Humans
Cows with Bangs: A Stylish Tale of Acceptance follows an artistic cow with a passion for hairstyling who is mocked by her peers, and eventually earns their respect when the famous Highland Queen comes to see her for a makeover. What was the inspiration for your story?
The inspiration for this story surfaced during a public event I attended at a local farm. This farm, Highland Hills Farm in Emmetsburg, Iowa, raises miniature Highland cows to sell as pets. I thought to myself, Oh look, cows with bangs. I knew, in that moment, I had to create a children’s book with that title. I rarely come up with a title first, but in this case, it was too cute not to. My next thoughts were bangs, hair, styles, and cosmetology. I filed the idea away for several months until I was ready to work on the story during Christmas break 2024.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
My stories contain a lesson or two to help young children become better humans. As a teacher, I am with children each day and observe their struggles. Kids are constantly learning how to master the skills they need to navigate life. In doing so, they frequently suffer from hurt feelings. Sometimes kids are misunderstood or mocked by their peers for just being themselves. This was the core situation I decided to present in the character of Claire.
Another concept I hope adults pick up on is how important it is to support kids. Taking the time and giving 100% of your attention, even if only for a minute or two, and speaking kind words can deeply affect a child. This concept was shown through the character of the queen.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
I enjoyed the last scene when Claire becomes the herd’s cow-moo-tologist. That play on words always makes people laugh or smile.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I am currently finishing up a chapter book for ages 8-12. That is Book Three in my series The Crustacean Chronicles. It completes the series, which follows Charlie’s Crabby Day and The Sand Sculpture Competition.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Amazon
Claire is an artist with a talent for styling hair, but her passions are not welcomed and her peers shun her. That is until the famous Highland Queen comes to her rescue.
The Queen praises Claire’s skills and requests a hair appointment, causing the others to reconsider their judgment and line up for their own fabulous makeovers.
This charming tale of embracing individuality and gaining acceptance will remind us of the value of being supportive and kind.
Cows With Bangs
Claire may be a cow, but her true passion lies in hairstyling, a dream that sets her apart in Cows with Bangs: A Stylish Tale of Acceptance by Joan Enockson. While her peers mock her unique interest, Claire presses on, masking her hurt behind a brave exterior. Their teasing stings, driving her to seek solace in private tears.
Everything changes when a glamorous, world-renowned Highland cow arrives in town. She’s not just any visitor; she’s a star of stage and screen. Ignoring the herd of autograph-seeking bulls, she insists on one thing first: getting her hair styled by Claire. And the transformation? Stunning. Suddenly, the same cows who once sneered are lining up, eager for Claire’s magic touch. From outcast to icon, Claire’s journey is both heartwarming and triumphant.
There’s so much to love about this delightful story. First and foremost, the rhythmic, rhyming text adds a musicality that makes reading aloud a joy. Children and adults alike will fall into an effortless cadence, amplifying the charm and liveliness of each page.
Beneath the whimsy lies a powerful message: being different is not a flaw; it’s a strength. Claire’s struggle will resonate deeply with young readers who may have felt out of place for embracing something they love. She does nothing to harm others yet becomes the target of ridicule, a scenario all too familiar. Her response is dignified, persistent, and graceful offering a meaningful lesson in resilience and self-worth.
Equally impressive are the illustrations, also created by Joan Enockson. Every page bursts with color and expression, visually enhancing the narrative with whimsical charm. The artwork not only complements the text, it brings it to life, inviting the reader to linger, explore, and connect with each scene.
Enockson weaves her background in education, music, and storytelling into a seamless tapestry that captivates children while offering thoughtful, age-appropriate themes. Her dedication to teaching shines through, as she subtly introduces ideas of friendship, problem-solving, and self-acceptance.
Cows with Bangs is more than just a stylish story, it’s a celebration of individuality, a tribute to kindness, and a joyful reminder that sometimes, standing out is the best thing you can do. With engaging characters, a vibrant plot, and radiant illustrations, this book is a must-have for every young reader’s shelf.
Pages: 28 | ISBN : 1958023531
The Baby Chicks
The Baby Chicks tells the sweet and playful story of a family’s journey raising chicks from eggs to fluffy little companions. It begins on a snowy day with an unexpected adventure led by their enthusiastic mom, who takes the kids on a road trip to buy special eggs. The story unfolds as the family learns the intricate process of hatching chicks, from incubating eggs to patiently waiting for their new feathered friends to enter the world. Along the way, there are lessons about candling eggs, the importance of humidity, and the fascinating behavior of newly hatched chicks. The narrative wraps up with the joy of caring for these adorable creatures as they become a treasured part of the family.
What I love about this picture book is its sense of wonder and discovery. The writing captures the magic of childhood curiosity perfectly. The excitement and impatience of waiting for the chicks to hatch felt so relatable, like when the kids waited until day twenty-three to finally hear the adorable squeals of a chick breaking out of its shell. The author captures the energy of a real family: the giggles, the eager questions, and even the little moments of frustration
The way the book explains the process of hatching eggs is charming and educational without feeling dry or overly complex. There’s a delightful balance of science and storytelling, like when Mom explains “pipping” or how embryos grow inside the eggs. The book never talks down to kids but instead invites them to learn alongside the characters. The candling moment, when the children get to peek inside the eggs to see the growing chicks, is beautiful. It’s a clever way of teaching science while keeping the story engaging.
What I liked most were the tender family dynamics. Mom’s patience, Dad’s resourcefulness, and the siblings’ interactions create an atmosphere of warmth and togetherness. The way the family builds the chicks’ brooder and introduces them to their little brother, cats, and dogs is endearing. I felt a pang of nostalgia remembering childhood pets and how they felt like part of the family. There’s something special about how the book shows the chicks growing, learning to trust the family, and how they all become best friends. It’s wholesome and heartwarming, and it made me smile thinking about the bonds between people and animals.
The photographs throughout the book are absolutely charming and bring the story to life in the most heartwarming way. Each picture perfectly captures the family’s adventure. The photos highlight the excitement, curiosity, and tender moments that make the story so special.
The Baby Chicks is a delightful read for families, teachers, or anyone with young animal lovers in their lives. It’s perfect for sparking curiosity about nature and teaching kids about responsibility, patience, and care for living things.
Pages: 40 | ISBN : 1778137326
Imagine Your True Purpose
In Pigs Have Wings, a pig who aspires to sing and dance is encouraged to pursue her dreams with the support of her friends. Where did the idea for this book come from?
For the past few years, I have taken classes in the Writer’s Program at UCLA Extension. My confidence gradually increased with the excellent instructors and colleagues in the classes. I realized that creative writing was something that I really wanted to keep doing. When a few colleagues and a good friend encouraged me to write my own books, I leaped at the chance.
The line “And whether pigs have wings” from Lewis Carroll’s “The Walrus and the Carpenter” stuck with me and deserved some sort of answer from me. Whether I could be a writer or not?
A challenging time in my life led me to understand that if you “believe in yourself” and imagine your true purpose, then you can achieve your dreams. So I started writing lots of lines and this book Pigs Have Wings was the result. The illustrator, Chau Pham, was wonderful to work with. I love her owl illustrations.
What draws you to writing books for young readers?
My mother was a kindergarten teacher and one of the first books I remember reading was a book from her, A Friend Is Someone Who Likes You, by Joan Walsh Anglund. I treasured that book and still have a copy on my bookshelf. In my mind, introducing young readers to books is more important than ever. Giving back has always been an important part of my upbringing. I am hoping that my books can inspire a love of learning as well as increased literacy.
Is there anything from your own life included in your characters’ experiences?
Inspiration, collaboration, and creativity have always been important to me. I am grateful to many people who encouraged my writing career and helped my dreams take flight. They believed in my abilities to write a book. They encouraged me to embark on a journey as a creative soul. And others truly understood the importance of having a room of one’s own. My parents built a family library of classic works and encyclopedias—one book at a time—and inspired a love of learning at an early age. All those positive activities came together.
My publishing career has shown time and time again how books enrich lives. At this point in my career, I value what I learned from the many authors and colleagues that I have worked with over the years. They believed in me and my talents and for that, I am forever grateful.
Can readers look forward to more books from you soon? What are you currently working on?
There are several projects that I am excited about publishing and writing over the next few years. As an independent publisher, the first book in a series of puzzle books for kids is coming soon in 2025. Going forward, I value the opportunity to continue to work with amazing editors and illustrators on my picture books—more are in process. In addition, I have partial manuscripts for a YA novel trilogy and concepts for perhaps a novel or two down the road.
Collaboration with partners and working with others are the keys!! It all forms a connection with something greater than yourself. And I always like to learn new things.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | AKABooks | Myrtle the Turtle | Amazon
Miz Peg dreams she can dance and sing, but it‛s harder for a pig than you‛d think! With a little help and inspiration from her friends, Miz Peg finds she can do almost anything.
Pigs Have Wings
Pigs Have Wings, by Kathleen Welton, is a charming and whimsical tale that follows Miz Peg, a pig with big dreams of dancing and singing. Despite the challenges that come with being a pig, Miz Peg is determined to pursue her passions. With the support and encouragement of her friends, she discovers that she is capable of much more than she initially believed.
What I love most about this book is its uplifting message about perseverance and the importance of having a support system. Miz Peg’s journey is a heartwarming reminder that even when things seem difficult, having the right people around you can make all the difference. The story is filled with positivity and optimism, making it a delightful read for both children and adults alike. The writing is engaging and accessible, with a rhythmic quality that adds to the book’s charm. The language is simple yet effective, allowing readers of all ages to connect with the story and its characters.
The illustrations, by Chau Pham, perfectly complement the narrative, bringing Miz Peg and her world to life with vibrant colors and expressive details. One of the standout aspects of Pigs Have Wings is how it subtly weaves in lessons about self-belief and the power of community. Miz Peg’s dreams might seem far-fetched for a pig, but the story shows that with determination and the encouragement of friends, even the most unlikely goals can be achieved. It’s a beautiful message that resonates well with readers and leaves a lasting impression.
Pigs Have Wings is a delightful and inspiring book that would be perfect for young readers who love stories about animals and dreams coming true. It’s also a great choice for parents and educators looking for a positive and engaging story to share with children. Kathleen Welton has crafted a lovely tale that reminds us all of the importance of dreaming big and supporting one another along the way.
Pages: 30 | ISBN : 978-1960157577
New Hopes and Dreams
Little Melvin… The Pig That Could Eat the World follows a young pig living on a farm whose hunger gets out of control, sending him on an out-of-this-world adventure. What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
Anyone (even a cute little pig) can break free from his/her confines in search of new hopes and dreams and adventure!
Also, not everyone has visited a farm, particularly younger children, and this book may give them an early view of how a farm can look.
What were some goals you set for yourself as a writer in this book?
To successfully create an enjoyable picture book that could be enjoyed between parents and young children during reading times together.
I was also hopeful that the book could attract the interest of a traditional publisher or literary agent.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
There may be another Little Melvin coming to market. If so, I envision him returning to Earth to share his adventures from outer space where he learned important ways, on other planets, to improve our planet (instead of devouring it)!
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
But Melvin’s simple, everyday world is about to change forever.
Melvin’s deep love for his farmers delicious food takes over, and his need for more food leads him to a place he could never have imagined!
You might say that Melvin’s new adventure is truly, “out of this world”!
LITERARY TITAN 