Retirement gave me the freedom to choose my own projects, from woodworking and bike riding to genealogy and children’s books. What began as an interesting idea grew into eight published books and an ongoing education in illustration, publishing, and marketing. This post reflects on the pleasure of learning something new, making mistakes, and building something simply because you want to see whether you can. Naturally, it also led to another project: this blog.

After losing our Yorkie, Milo, I wrote a simple story about a puppy named Lucy and a squirrel who became her friend. That essay stayed among my other writing until I discovered a way to turn it into a children’s book. Then fall led to winter, spring, and summer. This is the backyard beginning of Lucy and Sammy’s friendship, and how one small idea grew into four published books.

Topton Rides the River

The Story is the Easy Part

When I started writing children’s books, I never really thought of myself as becoming a writer. Writing was simply something I had done throughout my career, usually for a very different purpose.

My grandchildren saying “Paw Paw made this” is better than any sales report. Learning to publish a children’s book began as a project, but putting one into my grandchildren’s hands gave it a deeper purpose.

D. Schrader, author and founder of Four Paws Press, in his familiar St. Louis Cardinals cap.
For more than 40 years, I wrote specifications, proposals, contracts, and enough presentations to fill a small warehouse. Somehow, I never thought of myself as a writer. Then retirement, a little Yorkie, and a squirrel helped me see things differently. This is the story of how familiar skills led me into children’s books, and why learning to write simply has become one of my most enjoyable challenges.

Four Paws Press introduces Missy’s Second Chance, the third book in the Four Paws Rescue Tales series.

Four Paws Press is proud to introduce Mia Keeps Watch, the second book in the Four Paws Rescue Tales series.

Four Paws Press introduces Kierra Goes to Camp, the first book in the Four Paws Rescue Tales series.

Lucy and the Squirrel Summer is the fourth book in the Season series from Four Paws Press.

Lucy and the Squirrel: Spring
A Gentle New Adventure Celebrating Renewal

Lucy and the Squirrel: Winter
A Cozy Seasonal Story for Young Readers

Lucy and the Squirrel: FALL
The Adventure Begins