Welcome to the official "author/illustrator" website of
VIRGINIA MCDONALD INNES
It’s so great to have you here! Thanks for dropping in! Get comfy-cozy, grab a seat and let the fun begin!
"Oliver and the Yellow Dinosaur" now available on Amazon!
Exciting and adventurous, with engaging, colorful illustrations, this delightful tale is one that you and your child will read together over and over again!
Can Oliver and the Yellow Dinosaur make it through the Great Swamp of Smelly Ogres to save the Princess? Will they make it home in time for bed? Come along with these two brave friends on their exciting journey to find out!
Look for Poppy O’Possum and her friends in 2027! Check back often for updates!
Virginia has written a charming 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!
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!
“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 these stories. It is my prayer that they will delight readers for years to come. And Lord willing, I’ll be reading my book to my grandchildren and great-grandchildren some day.
I sincerely hope you enjoy my stories and illustrations. May God bless each of you and your families.”
—Virginia McDonald Innes
