Upcoming Book!

POPPY O’POSSUM and the PEBBLE PORRIDGE

Look for Poppy O’Possum and her friends this September, 2024! Check back often for updates!

This is a fun new twist on the beloved tale “Stone Soup!” You and your child will enjoy reading this book together over and over again! Plus, Poppy includes her own recipe for Pebble Porridge for you and your child to make together!

Picture this!

It’s been a long day; you and your child are ready for bed! You give them a drink of water and pat them on the head! You cozy up together; time to read a book! You now open Poppy O’Possum and it’s time to take a look!

With its timeless tale of sharing, working together and friendship and it’s beautiful, color illustrations, “Poppy O’Possum and the Pebble Porridge” is sure to delight both children and adults alike! 

“I’ve been drawing my entire life. In fact, I cannot remember a time when I didn’t absolutely love drawing. I am very blessed to have always been encouraged by my parents, my family, and my friends.

I remember sitting on the old wooden floor in my early childhood home in Houston, Texas, watching intently as my Daddy created the most beautiful, vibrant chalk pastel paintings. I was in awe!  I dreamed of being able to create such treasures of my own one day. He is so talented.

My Mama, too, has a great artistic gift. Her ability to draw portraits was unbelievable to me as a child! I still have her Vivien Leigh portrait she drew for me some thirty years ago…so beautiful!

 Along with drawing, I began creating my own story books at the  age of six. There has always been something so fascinating to me about picture books! I especially loved and was inspired by “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs”, both the story itself and the illustrations. I loved books that had to do with food…I still do! I’m sure most of my books will end up having to do with food one way or the other! Author and illustrator Steven Kellogg's books and illustrations had a huge impact on me as well.  So much fun packed into every scene!

I married my college sweetheart and love of my life in October, 1999. My husband Paul Innes and I raised four smart, talented, and kind children. We had a lot of fun painting, drawing, and crafting together over the years! From thrills to spills, I wouldn’t change a thing!

 And now that our children are either grown or nearly so, I have had some time to reflect. I went through a period of not knowing which direction I was facing, let alone which direction I was going. I felt called to bring joy to children and to pursue my art. I prayed for guidance and the Lord gave me this story, “Poppy O’Possum and the Pebble Porridge.” It is my prayer that it will delight readers for years to come. And Lord willing, I’ll be reading my book to my grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

I sincerely hope you enjoy my stories and illustrations. May God bless each of you and your families.”

—Virginia McDonald Innes