About
Joanne is the author and illustrator of The Crooked Dog series, a heartfelt children’s book collection inspired by her rescued Dachshund, Jo Jo. After spending more than 30 years in banking, Joanne discovered a new chapter in life when she became a grandmother. Reading books with her grandsons, Stanley and Bristow, awakened her love for children’s stories and inspired her to create books of her own.
A lifelong resident of Hawaii and now a world traveler through her family’s move to Bali, Joanne brings warmth, joy, and a deep appreciation for family and connection into her work. She creates all of her own illustrations, often drawing while watching happy movies because she believes joy can be felt through the artwork.
Dogs have always been central to Joanne’s life, especially Dachshunds. Jo Jo, the inspiration behind The Crooked Dog series, came into her life through rescue and later survived a serious back injury. His slightly crooked walk became the heart behind the series name. Through her books, Joanne shares a meaningful message with families: pets are forever family, and with love, care, patience, exercise, and a healthy diet, animals can live happy, cherished lives.
HIDDEN DOORS, SECRET ROOMS
Description
<p>HIDDEN DOORS, SECRET ROOMS - a paranormal suspense:<br />"Superbly crafted and flawlessly executed, Eubanks doles out both plot and back-story in small doses, expertly keeping readers turning page after page...This is a phenomenal first novel; an excellent read for anyone who loves mystery, and would-be writers who want to learn exactly how it’s done." - KIRKUS REVIEWS<br /><br />Jillian Braedon possesses a secret so explosive that she must be silenced. On the run with her five-year-old daughter, stranded in the middle of a blizzard and critically injured, Jill sends little Valerie off into the raging storm alone. The child stumbles onto the property of retired musician-turned-recluse, John Mills, begging for help. John soon finds himself caught up in their torment, and face-to-face with the pursuing covert agents, who will do anything to destroy the secret, and silence everyone involved.</p>
Story Behind The Book
The story behind The Crooked Dog Goes to a Farm comes from my love for dogs, children, and the lessons we learn through kindness.
Jo Jo is inspired by my real rescue Dachshund, who came into my life on Mother’s Day in 2011. He had a difficult beginning and later suffered a serious back injury, but with love, patience, and care, he healed. He still walks a little crooked, and that is how The Crooked Dog series got its name.
In this story, Jo Jo visits a farm with his best friend, Kelly. He is excited to meet all the animals, but he forgets that some of them are smaller and more delicate than he is. Through his adventure, Jo Jo learns an important lesson about being gentle, showing empathy, and treating others with care.
As a grandmother, I wanted to create stories that children could enjoy while also learning simple, meaningful values. My grandsons helped inspire my love for children’s books, and my lifelong love for Dachshunds helped inspire Jo Jo’s journey.
At its heart, The Crooked Dog Goes to a Farm is about friendship, self-control, kindness, and understanding that everyone deserves love and gentle care, whether they are children, animals, or rescue pets looking for a forever home.
