About Us

Founders - Gail Aherne & Laura J. Foltz

Author - Gail Aherne

Original Illustrator - Laura J. Foltz

Illustrator 2025- Lisa Blakeborough

Author - Gail Aherne

Following an ancillary product marketing and licensing career for a NYC publisher, Gail turned to her true passion: early childhood education. She has held numerous leadership roles in New Jersey Community programs fostering literacy. She has a unique understanding of the struggles with childhood literacy. Observing firsthand how children relax into reading more easily when cuddling a stuff plushy in one arm and a book in the other. Gail astutely identified the market "hole" that we hope the Mouse and Bee series will fill.

Illustrator - Lisa Blakeboroug

Lisa Blakeborough is a children’s illustrator and storyteller from Minnesota. She loves drawing unique, lovable characters, playful nature-inspired scenes, and moments of connection and kindness.

She enjoys collaborating on creative projects that inspire kids and playful adults to connect with the beauty and magic of the natural world.

Lisa’s creativity is fueled by her daily yoga practice and walks in nature near her home. She also enjoys exploring local parks and making weekly visits to the neighborhood library and farmer’s markets with her family

Original Illustrator - Laura J. Foltz 

 

During a writing critique group co-Creators and collaborators of Mouse and Bee connected over their love of literacy and protecting our precious pollinators.  Their inspiration for Mouse and Bee stories and plush reading buddies was inspired by their involvement with Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. With the sudden passing of Laura, the amazing illustrator, Lisa Blakeborough stepped in to finish 

"Your dreams in this life will have greater meaning when they are tied to the betterment of your community." - Tererai Trent