Writing a newsletter was bound to happen, so why delay it any longer? With Valentine’s Day just behind us, I thought it would be the perfect moment to begin with something a little sweet and sentimental.
People often wonder how I keep everything moving forward. I couldn’t do it without my partner, Adam, and the deep motivation that comes from doing work I genuinely love.
“Know what sparks the light in you. Then use that light to illuminate the world.”
This quote keeps me grounded in my writing. When we follow what we genuinely love, the work feels more honest and true. I hope that authenticity comes through in my books and every time I show up.
It’s been an incredible journey so far that I’d like to pause and honor this chapter. Read a full recap of what we’ve achieved so far, or follow your own reading adventure via the Table of Contents.
Table of Contents
Tale Bound’s Mission
Our mission is to make it easier to start meaningful conversations with children through storytelling.
These stories allow reflection on well-being topics in a fun, warm way. The right story can start a conversation that fosters individual social-emotional growth and positively impacts relationships and communities.
Picture Book Series: I’m a Dog!
Get ready to fall head over paws for Cole, the I’m a Dog! heartfelt series star! His tail-wagging tale will warm your heart and allow a gentle start to meaningful talks.
The Scaredy Cat, But I’m a Dog is the debut book. It highlights how self-worth and identity can remain steady regardless if we feel afraid or brave; increasing one’s self-esteem and confidence.
The Silly Goose, But I’m a Dog is in the works and explores the importance of learning the right time to be responsible or silly. Stay tuned!
Tail Behind the Tale
My passion for writing has always been steady, but the results have ebbed and flowed, from fleeting ideas to finished drafts that lacked a spark. But this last story was different.
Inspired by my four-legged pal, it truly lit me up.
Meet Tucker. He’s the real tail behind the tale.
Tucker’s a good boy
If you’re curious to learn more about how this all began, check out My Story.
Our Story So Far
While landing a big publishing deal is the kind of dream many writers carry, running my own independent publishing house opens different doors. It allows me to partner with local nonprofits, develop practical resources, and help strengthen the community from the ground up.
My vision for the series, resources, merchandise, activities, charity kickbacks, and partnerships far outweighed my patience in seeking out the traditional pathways to publication. With my family behind me, I was Tale Bound.
In June 2025, I founded Tale Bound, LLC.
In July 2025, Linda Olliver and I began collaborating on the illustrations for The Scaredy Cat, But I’m a Dog.
“I’ve truly enjoyed collaborating with Linda on The Scaredy Cat, But I’m a Dog and am excited for our next partnership. Linda’s illustration work is creative, thoughtful, and distinctive.”
To see more of Linda’s work, go to https://www.lindaolliver.com.
On December 30, 2025, we beat the New Year’s countdown and released the book online via IngramSpark. It is now available through a range of national online distributors.
Linda and Keli opening the proof copy
A big round of a-paws for story time!
In January 2026, I partnered with Ritz Printz to create a 3D prototype of Cole. The project was a resounding success, and we are now exploring a ‘Brave Cole’ version, complete with a red cape. More details on how to place custom orders with Ritz Printz for small, medium, or large versions of Cole or ‘Brave Cole’ will be shared soon.
Ritz Printz
3D Printed Cole
Valentine’s Day felt like the perfect moment to give back. I was honored to donate my books to the library system where stories connect, comfort, and belong to everyone.
Keli dropping off 6 copies to the Howard County Library System
Select Bound for Next to learn more about upcoming events featuring Tale Bound.
💥Boundless Bravery💥
Cole’s confidence shone brightly in The Scaredy Cat, But I’m a Dog as he shared his acts of bravery.
Being vulnerable, both in sharing and listening, increases social-emotional learning, relationship building, and community belonging.
Boundless Bravery is a newsletter column open for our readers to submit their experiences. These experiences can be small, daily acts of courage, or more challenging events faced with bravery.
Stay On Our Tail 🐾
Reader voices matter. If you’d like to share a short testimonial about the book, I warmly invite you to do so.
Visit our website and social media pages for more information. Stay on our tail as we tell our stories.
Get behind-the-scenes previews and updates that matter. Sign up to be the first to get Unbound by Tale Bound.
We’re just getting started and I’m so grateful you’re here.
Be a part of our journey. Become Tale Bound.
Until the next chapter,
Keli Wilson