About Us
- Merrijo Wheaton, Author & Illustrator -
Merrijo’s love of books began as a young girl getting her very first library card, and thinking the books she checked out from the bookmobile were now her own books. Her art career began in early elementary school when praised by her teacher for her artistic talent. By the time she reached high school, Merrijo had developed her own unique style. Not being appreciated by her HS art teacher, who called her images “ticky tacky”, did not deter Merrijo as she continued to explore many different ways to express herself through her art.
After many different career paths, including teaching first grade, 15 years as a single parent raising a rambunctious son, and severe health challenges, Merrijo returned to her love of art and of working with paper.
Initially creating greeting cards, which were highly praised by those receiving them, she progressed to creating large scale images. Finally, seeing an image she had previously created of a bug sitting on the back of an Adirondack chair, the she realized she had already, in her mind, done something she had wanted to do since she was a young girl - writing and illustrating a book. So she set out to put it on paper.
Merrijo strongly believes that we have within ourselves all the tools we need to achieve whatever we set out to do, we just have to NOT let the many obstacles which arise keep us from moving forward.
- George Wheaton, Author -
Growing up in a family of teachers and readers, books were an integral part of George’s life. He enjoyed all forms of literature, but his writing style gravitated to poetry and essay. He has had his work published in poetic anthologies. When Merrijo asked for his help with The Bug's Journey the poetry just flowed.
After many years searching for the proper employment which would enable him to express himself and help lead others to self-fulfillment, jobs ranging from handyman, civil service, and his own management consulting business, George finally entered the classroom as a teacher. He spent the rest of his working career teaching both high school and middle school students.
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
Lois Henderson
Reviewed for Readers’ Favorite
I found this book, written in rhyming couplets, to be a true visual delight, with the wide-open expanses of the desert depicted in tones of ochre and green, and the joyfully bright pueblo adobe houses shown in their contrasting vibrant colors. The concept of finding happiness within ourselves, despite not being a new one, is so well presented here that The Bug’s Journey: A Story for All Ages is well worth acquiring.
Bruce Anderson
Reviewed for Readers’ Favorite
The artwork of this book is excellent. Done in pen and ink, as well as cut-out paper, this mixed media is clever and colorful, bringing detailed landscapes to the reader’s eye. This unique art style is a breath of fresh air compared to some of the computer-generated art so often presented in children’s books.
Shrabastee Chakraborty
Reviewed for Reader's Favorite
The meandering story about Boswell’s various escapades kept me enchanted. George and Merrijo Wheaton suggest that this book is for readers of all ages. After reading it, I could not agree more.
The story touched my heart with its soothing fingers, reminding me that happiness can exist even during the most turbulent times. The story is so uplifting that I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone requiring a little relief from daily ordeals and stress.