About Us
Founders - Gail Aherne & Laura J. Foltz
Original Illustrator - Laura J. Foltz ~ Illustrator 2025 - Lisa Blakeborough
Author - Gail Aherne
After a career in licensing and ancillary marketing for a New York City publisher, Gail decided to pursue her passion for early childhood education. She has held leadership roles in community programs in New Jersey that focus on literacy and understands the challenges children face in this area. Gail has observed firsthand that children relax into reading more easily when holding a "plushie" alongside a book. This insight inspired her to create the Mouse and Bee series to address a gap in the market. She is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators and is trained in the Wilson Reading System. Gail finds inspiration in spending time with her family, friends, and two dogs. Her two favorite places- the beach and the library.
https://www.instagram.com/gail.aherne/?hl=en
https://www.instagram.com/mouseandbeeclub/?hl=en
Illustrator - Lisa Blakeborough
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.
https://www.instagram.com/lisablakeboroughstudio/?hl=en
Original Illustrator - Laura J. Foltz
Laura Foltz, the original illustrator and co-creator of Mouse and Bee was a prize-winning poet who held a Children's Book Illustration Certificate from the Rhode Island School of Design. She studied picture book writing and illustration at Pratt Manhattan, and received illustration awards at SCBWI's national conference in New York City and in Connecticut's "emerging voices" contest for picture book author-illustrators. Laura was a finalist for SCBWI's prestigious Kimberley Colen Award in the illustrated picture book dummy category. She worked in traditional mediums with digital embellishments, with a special knack for creating imaginary worlds filled with charming characters.
https://www.instagram.com/seasidestoryshoppe/?hl=en
https://www.johnedayfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Laura-June-Foltz?obId=34102487
