Welcome to The Big Backyard!
"Sally & Sam Sparrow”
Book One in The Big Backyard Books Collection
The Big Backyard Story
The Big Backyard™ was born during the global pandemic of 2020.
In the spring and summer, while bringing our not-quite-so-big backyard sanctuary to life and learning to master the art of scratch sourdough bread, the critters living there weren’t focused on the chaos of the world all around, but on the creation of their own homes and happiness.
One day, a sweet pair of sparrows tried desperately to build a nest. They worked tirelessly for weeks to construct their home where one simply couldn’t be built. Or could it…? The inaugural book in The Big Backyard™ collection tells the story of Sally & Sam Sparrow and their unwavering quest to achieve the impossible.
Always believe in yourself and never give up.
With hard work, determination, and passion dreams really can come true...
Meet the Author
Kellie Rae Straub is an author and entrepreneur living in western Colorado with her husband Marcus. Together they have blended families and raised their three children - Reis, Savannah, and Lily - to be confident leaders for the next generation. They are proud parents anxious to see what the future holds for their family.
With a passion for helping others follow their dreams and succeed in life, Kellie and Marcus enjoy working on meaningful projects, writing, reading, building their businesses, spending time in nature, taking long road trips, and devouring really great bacon cheeseburgers.
The process of writing, sketching, and bringing The Big Backyard™ collection of books to fruition has quickly become one of Kellie’s most satisfying personal and professional endeavors.
Meet the Illustrator
Svetlana Moroz lives with her husband and one-year-old-daughter, Mariya Deniz, in Saudi Arabia. As a child, growing up in Ukraine, she loved to draw but didn’t pursue art as a professional career until long after studying to become an electrician and mining engineer. It didn’t take long to figure out it simply wasn’t what she really wanted to do with her life.
After going back to school to become a designer, Svetlana explored a variety of creative professions that fueled both her mind and spirit. In 2016, she began learning watercolors, a medium that has remained in her heart to this day. With a passion for learning, she continues to study on her own, mostly in the form of online master classes - learning from various artists and playing with her own unique styles and techniques. In her own words, “I always wanted to try my hand at book illustration, but didn't dare. When the opportunity to illustrate this children's book came to me, I felt inspired.”
The Illustrative Process
Using traditional pencil sketching and timeless watercolor techniques, Kellie and Svetlana are committed to creating a cherished collection of children’s books that will be read, enjoyed, and become treasured family heirlooms to be passed down by kids of all ages through the generations.
After sketching each individual character for The Big Backyard™ Books collection, Kellie sends them to Svetlana and they work in collaboration on each illustrated page - from initial sketch to completed book storyboard to final masterpiece. While living nearly 8,000 miles apart, they have been able to harness the power of technology to create a dynamic partnership and become fast friends.
Order the inaugural book in The Big Backyard™ collection today!
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All books purchased online are:
Discounted by 10%
Signed and personalized
Shipped FREE (over $40) in the US
Shipped with a special collection of gifts
-
All books purchased online are:
Discounted by 10%
Signed and personalized
Shipped FREE (over $40) in the US
Shipped with a special collection of gifts
