The Author . . .

Hi, I’m Joellyn!

I love dogs! They know how to love big, be brave, and find joy in the smallest sniff of kindness. Dogs are smart — not the kind of smart that solves math problems, but the kind of smart that understands moods and moments. They learn routines faster than we do, remember every hiding spot for treats, and somehow always know which person in the room needs a little extra love. They can tell the difference between a laugh that says “play with me" and silence that says "I’m trying not to cry”. They don’t fix a problem — they simply stay at your side, waiting for you to figure out your feelings. And in that wordless companionship, they create a space where you are loved for who you are, not for who you think you should be.

I live in Wisconsin, where the snow gets deep and the summers get warm. With the supervision of my big and floofy Standard Poodle—Murphy—I write stories about real-life dogs. While I tap the keyboard, Murff snoozes on a fluffy rug positioned exactly where the sunlight makes his hair look extra fabulous! As I write, I try to imagine the world through a dog's eyes. Sometimes Murff adds his two cents, like he does in Fur-Ever Friends, where he is not just part of the story, he is the narrator! And, not to stray from the limelight, he couldn't resist adding his paw-sitive wisdom in Georgia's World.

The dogs in all of my books are more than just imaginary characters, they are real dogs who have claimed a place in my life and in the lives of people dear to me. Their stories felt too powerful not to share. Their stories matter. Because...

a homeless mama dog can teach us about resilience, and her overlooked pup shows us the best is often saved for last. Because a gentle Golden Retriever can help someone feel seen. Because two scruffy rescue dogs can validate what true friendship looks like.

Closest to my heart are Fur-Ever Friends and Georgia's World. The first of the two-book series came from love, loss and grief, to honor love lessons learned from Gucci and Bella, two very special Goldendoodles who enjoyed wonderfully long lives with my sister and I. Gucci and Bella showed us, while you will never forget your first love, there is room in your heart for new love. Because of Gucci and Bella, Murphy and Georgia proved to us that even the most broken hearts can be healed with a best friend by your side. The friendship story of Georgia's World sends a big message to little kids (and grown-ups, too) that everyone travels through life at a different pace, and no one is perfect — and that is perfectly okay.

I hope my stories make you smile, make you wonder, and maybe even make your heart feel a little more full. Most of all, I hope my stories help kids understand that kindness matters, and that even the smallest act of caring can change a life — whether it belongs to a person or a pup.