Author: Mary Ann Featherston
Illustrator: Tammy Jennings
Genres: Children’s Books, short stories, devotionals, and cookbooks
Books: Stand Tall Little Twig, Stumpy Makes Friends
Latest Book: Stumpy Makes Friends
Publisher: Acclaim Press
Publication Date: June 22, 2026
Book Blurb for Stumpy Makes Friends
Let me introduce you to someone very special—Stumpy.
Stumpy is a little different, but that’s what makes him unforgettable. With a heart full of kindness and a longing to belong, Stumpy is the kind of friend every child can relate to. I think your little ones will adore Stumpy because he reminds them that it’s okay to stand out.
Writing to Inspire
Mary Ann Featherston is a children’s book author who seeks to encourage women and children and write stories that will inspire everyone. One of her favorite ways to accomplish this is by using endearing animal characters to communicate important truths about life.
“I feel the world needs more encouragement and inspiration,” Mary Ann said.
Featherston’s writing has been primarily impacted by her Christian faith.
“Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve had a heart for God,” she shared. “I gave my life to Him at fourteen while attending church camp, a decision that has shaped my life ever since.”
The desire to write a children’s book began after Mary Ann became a mother.
“When my children were young, I read to them constantly,” she said. “Somewhere along the way, a thought took root: I could write a children’s book. But I had no idea where to begin. I didn’t have a college degree, and at the time, there was no internet to guide me. Years passed, but the dream never left. Then I met a writer who invited me to join an online writing group, and I began writing short stories. Not long after, I joined a creative writing group through a small group at my church. That’s when my journey truly began. Through it all, I never let go of the dream God placed in my heart to become a children’s writer. I did take a creative writing session through my church. I’ve joined writing groups, and I’m a member of the ACFW-STL group.”
Before Featherston turned her attention to children’s books, she wrote inspirational cookbooks, women’s stories, and devotionals.
“Simply Recipes has scripture and old hymns throughout,” she explained. “Simply Desserts contain promises (scripture) throughout. So, you can cook and also be inspired. They both are beautiful, colorful cookbooks. Many people buy them as gifts for Mother’s Day, wedding gifts, graduation gifts, etc.”
When Mary Ann decided to earnestly pursue writing and publishing children’s books, she opted to write for the general market, rather than the Christian one, “because I felt I could reach more children that way. If I could inspire all children and adults with great, wholesome books, then I feel that is what it is all about. I want to give hope to the world.”
About Stumpy Makes Friends
Featherston’s latest book, Stumpy Makes Friends, was inspired by a true story.
“My friend, Nancy Mehl, is a wonderful person who feeds squirrels. One of the squirrels she feeds doesn’t have a tail, and the other squirrels won’t let it eat with them. So, Nancy feeds the one without a tail special food. One day in our ACFW-STL meeting, she said, ‘Mary Ann, you should write a children’s book about my squirrel.’ She then told me about her squirrel, whom she calls Stumpy. That’s how it began.”
As she wrote the story, Mary Ann pulled from her own experiences as a child who felt insecure and out of place.
“I was one of those shy kids,” she shared. “I was the oldest of 5. My Daddy passed away when I was 13. We didn’t have a lot of money. Soon after he passed, we moved to Southeast Missouri to be near my momma’s sister. I did not know anyone. I felt out of place. I was one of those kids who was always chosen last. I never felt good enough.”
The main themes in Stumpy Makes Friends center on acceptance, friendship, and valuing the differences that everyone possesses.
“I wanted to show that being different doesn’t lessen your worth. You still have value and the ability to do great things, just like everyone else. You can be different, maybe have a disability, but you have value.”
Featherston hopes people will be inspired when they read this book.
“I want to touch their hearts and make them feel good about themselves,” she said. “I want them to know it’s ok to be different.”
Author Life
Finding an Illustrator:
“After my publisher accepted my manuscript for Stand Tall Little Twig, he said an artist from Kentucky might do the illustrations. He gave me his telephone number and email address to contact him. But, the following Sunday, I went to the Heartland Writers Guild and told the group about being accepted by Acclaim Press to publish my book. After the meeting, my friend, Amanda Flinn, came up to me and stated that her sister, Tammy Jennings, is an artist and wants to illustrate children’s books. She gave me her information. I don’t remember if Tammy contacted me or if I contacted her first, but she sent me some illustrations. I absolutely loved them. I then sent them to the publisher, and they loved them. That’s how Tammy became the illustrator for Stand Tall Little Twig. She is also the illustrator for Stumpy Makes Friends.
“What is so amazing is how Tammy became the illustrator. Amanda hadn’t been to any of the meetings that year, but she was at this particular meeting. I always say this was a God moment – ‘For such a time as this’ moment. I didn’t even know that Amanda had a sister, especially a sister who is an artist. I believe this was all in God’s timing.”
Best Experience as a Children’s Author:
“I’ve had people send me pictures of their children reading Stand Tall Little Twig, and parents reading to their children.
“Once, a woman from Oregon contacted me and said she had purchased my book, Stand Tall Little Twig. She asked if I would autograph it because her daughter was expecting her first baby, a little boy. In the story, the little boy’s name is Oliver, and they were planning to name their son Oliver as well. I told her I would be honored to sign it. She mailed the book to me, and I signed it and sent it back. Later, after they received the book, she told me that she, her daughter, and her son-in-law sat down together to read it. She said tears streamed down their cheeks as they read the ending. Moments like this touch my heart and remind me why I write children’s stories.”
Greatest Moment of Writing/Publishing Career (so far):
“A few months ago, I was at an event when a boy, about eight years old, walked up to me, pointed to Stand Tall Little Twig, and said, ‘That’s my favorite book!’
I smiled and said, ‘Oh, that’s wonderful. Do you have a copy of Stand Tall Little Twig?’
He replied, ‘No, but I’ve read it about eight times at our school library.’
Hearing that from a child meant more to me than he could ever know.”
What’s Next (in terms of writing):
“I’m writing a Christian romance at the moment. I plan to write more children’s books. I also write short stories and devotionals. I have a story coming out in mid-June 2026 titled “New Shoes” in Guideposts, volume 8, Too Amazing For Coincidence: He Cares For Us. And another story for Guideposts, “Grandaddy’s Song” in Messengers of Love, the fourth book in the Angels In Our Lives series, coming out in early October 2026.”
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