There’s something extra special about reading a children’s book written by someone from your own community. These stories don’t just come from imagination—they’re shaped by local classrooms, family experiences, nonprofits, faith, creativity, and real-life moments that sparked inspiration. From celebrating differences and emotions to exploring nature, kindness, and big dreams, these local authors are helping children see themselves—and the world—more clearly, one page at a time.
Here are some wonderful children’s books written by local authors that deserve a spot on your family’s bookshelf.
Of Life: The Rollercoaster
By Jody Hulsey & Emmy Woosley
What it’s about:
Evelli navigates life’s ups and downs by listening to her feelings and staying hopeful through every twist and turn. The story encourages emotional awareness, resilience, and optimism.
About the authors:
Inspired by a young girl at Girls Inc. who created a colorful paper roller coaster representing her emotions, Hulsey and Woosley turned that powerful moment into a poetic, uplifting children’s book. The story reflects the belief that kids are capable of understanding and expressing big feelings.
Let’s Talk Trees
By Adrian & Linda Bambini
What it’s about:
Told through the voice of Barkley, a tulip poplar tree, Let’s Talk Trees helps children explore the idea of family by comparing tree families to their own family trees. Using the senses, readers are encouraged to notice similarities and differences in both nature and family life.
About the authors:
Naturalist Adrian Bambini teamed up with his wife, Linda, a retired teacher, to blend science and storytelling. His horticulture knowledge and her background in English and education come together to create an interactive book that encourages deeper thinking, curiosity, and meaningful discussion beyond simple observation.
The Garden of Wonder
By Marcia Carpenter
Illustrated by Bonnie Nance
What it’s about:
A bright, educational journey into the world of pollination and gardens, this book helps children appreciate nature and the important role pollinators play in our environment.
About the creators:
Written by Marcia Carpenter and illustrated by educator and artist Bonnie Nance, the book was created in partnership with the Western Kentucky Botanical Garden. Proceeds support the garden, making this book both a learning experience and a way to give back.
Glitter Thoughts and Dino Daydreams
By Rena Fulkerson
What it’s about:
Rylee is creative, energetic, and full of ideas—and she has ADHD. This joyful, sparkle-filled book celebrates thinking differently and helps kids understand that an ADHD brain isn’t something to fix, but something to understand and embrace.
About the author:
Retired special education teacher and Brescia University professor Rena Fulkerson was inspired by her granddaughter, Rylee. Drawing on her professional experience and personal love, she created a story that helps children see their strengths and reminds adults to truly notice each child’s unique spark.
You Grew in Our Hearts
By Nikie Walker
What it’s about:
This tender, reassuring story gently explains adoption from the perspective of loving parents. It honors both birth families and adoptive families, helping children understand that while they may have grown in a birth mother’s belly, they grew in their parents’ hearts long before they ever met.
About the author:
Inspired by her own family’s adoption journey, Brescia University professor Nikie Walker wrote this book to help children feel wanted, chosen, and deeply loved. Her story offers comfort, belonging, and reassurance for families navigating big questions with little hearts.
Taylor’s Tangles
By Heather Mahlinger
Illustrated by Mackenzie Mahlinger
What it’s about:
After Taylor gives up brushing her hair, her tangles grow out of control—attracting birds, mice, and even a goose! This humorous story teaches kids about solving small problems before they become big ones.
About the creators:
Inspired by real-life hair-brushing struggles with her daughter, Heather Mahlinger turned playful storytelling into a book. Her daughter, Mackenzie, illustrated the story, making this a true family collaboration.
A Bunny Tale
By Dr. Lois Michelle Edwards
Illustrated by Claire Rousch
What it’s about:
Ruby Ann decides she wants to be a bunny because bunnies don’t have to clean their rooms. Through imagination and gentle guidance, she learns it’s okay to be exactly who she is.
About the author:
Owensboro Community and Technical College professor Dr. Michelle Edwards wrote her first children’s book to help kids understand self-acceptance and identity, encouraging children to flourish just as they are.
Owen the Wonderer Series
By Amanda Owen & Ashley Wedding
What it’s about:
Owen is curious and loves asking questions. Through meeting new friends with disabilities, he learns about inclusion, kindness, and how to ask respectful questions.
About the authors:
As moms and leaders of the local nonprofit Puzzle Pieces, Amanda Owen and Ashley Wedding wrote this series to help children feel comfortable with differences and learn tangible ways to include others. Proceeds support Puzzle Pieces’ mission.
The Snowball Moose
By Paul D. Hampton
What it’s about:
Three brothers secretly raise a baby moose in Alaska, leading to humorous adventures and unexpected chaos.
About the author:
Owensboro resident and longtime pastor Paul Hampton drew from his years living in Alaska and a lifetime of storytelling. The book appeals to a wide age range and celebrates imagination and family bonds.
The Adventures of Max and Oliver
By Holly Davis
What it’s about:
This social-emotional story helps children understand what’s happening in their brains when they feel overwhelmed. Max the dog and Oliver the owl represent different parts of the brain and teach kids how to regulate emotions.
About the author:
Local parenting coach Holly Davis wrote the book as a tool for families and educators to explain emotional regulation in a simple, relatable way.
Max Sees the Best: An Adventure in Empathy
By Holly Davis
What it’s about:
Max is a curious and playful pup who learns the power of kindness, empathy, and making good choices. With help from his wise friend Oliver, Max discovers how seeing the best in others can shape friendships and everyday moments. This heartwarming story encourages children to pause, reflect, and respond with compassion.
About the author:
Local parenting coach and children’s author Holly Davis wrote Max Sees the Best to help children understand emotions and social interactions in a simple, relatable way. Building on themes from her earlier work, the book supports emotional learning, mindfulness, and empathy for children ages 4–8.
Different Is Normal
By Courtney Daugherty
What it’s about:
This rhyming, inclusive story features children of different abilities, cultures, and backgrounds, showing how fun it is to learn and play together.
About the author:
After losing her daughter to a rare heart defect, Courtney Daugherty turned her grief into advocacy. Her book intentionally represents children with disabilities, helping kids see themselves reflected in stories.
Could I Be a Pilot?
By Lauren Dalzell Settles
What it’s about:
After attending an air show, Evie discovers women pilots and begins to wonder if she could become one too.
About the author:
Pilot and mom Lauren Settles wrote the book after realizing how few aviation stories featured girls. Her goal is to encourage children—especially girls—to dream big.
There’s an Elephant in the Yard
By Hannah Goebel
What it’s about:
Imagine stepping outside to play and finding an elephant in your yard. That’s exactly what happens to Dougie as he helps his new friend, Heppie the elephant, find her way back home in this charming, imaginative story.
About the author:
Author and illustrator Hannah Goebel based the book on a true story experienced by Owensboro resident Doug Wetzel, who once found an escaped circus elephant in his yard as a child. Goebel heard the story while visiting his family and taught herself to illustrate the book using YouTube tutorials.
The Incredible Adventure of Hugh Hound
By M. Geoff Payne
Illustrated by Sarah Truman
What it’s about:
When an artist meets an unexpected guest looking for a portrait, he soon learns the visitor is no ordinary hound. Hugh Hound shares his heroic quest—filled with pirates, faraway lands, and legendary treasure—in this rhyming adventure.
About the creators:
What began as a bedtime story for Geoff Payne’s two sons grew into a published children’s book. Payne partnered with local illustrator Sarah Truman to bring this playful, heroic tale to life.
The Caring Bears: Billy’s Story
Written by Caleb Potter
Illustrated by Stephanie Sauerheber
What it’s about:
Billy faces the loss of his grandmother and learns how to navigate grief with the support of loving caregivers. This gentle story helps children understand loss, emotions, and healing in an age-appropriate way.
About the author:
Hospice of Western Kentucky bereavement coordinator Caleb Potter wrote the book after struggling to find resources for children ages 4–9. The book includes discussion prompts, and proceeds support Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Kentucky.
Kingdomland
By Faith Harralson
Illustrated by Rylee Cisneros
What it’s about:
This imaginative chapter book follows Addy, Isaiah, and their friends as they complete missions in a magical world that test courage, faith, and perseverance. Each chapter includes vocabulary and comprehension questions.
About the author:
Owensboro author Faith Harralson first imagined Kingdomland nearly 20 years ago. Designed for readers ages 6 and up, the book blends imagination and faith and features artwork by local teen artist Rylee Cisneros.
Gracie’s Journey Home
By Faith Harralson
Illustrated by William Bushong
What it’s about:
Inspired by a true story, this heartwarming book follows a little girl and a cat longing for love and belonging, showing how adoption brings a family together.
About the author:
Written from the perspective of a fostering and adoptive mother, Gracie’s Journey Home reflects Faith Harralson’s personal experiences and gently introduces themes of adoption, love, and belonging.