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Kathleen Welton advocates for beaches, birds, and wildlife and writes picture books and screenplays. She began her book publishing career as a college textbook sales rep. Since then, she has served as senior editor for Dow Jones-Irwin, publisher for Dearborn Trade, vice president and publisher for IDG Books, director for H&R Block, and director of book publishing for the American Bar Association. As publisher of aka Associates, she collaborates with authors and organizations on book publishing and writing projects. After serving as a book publishing professional for many years, she is excited to begin the next chapter of my career as a writer. She is especially grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with amazing editors and illustrators on the publication and debut of her first picture books. When she is not writing, she enjoys meditating, reading, and exploring the Lake Michigan shoreline.
I love the process of book publishing—especially when others help to make words flow better and everything comes to life little by little. I enjoy seeing how things unfold…here are the covers of my picture books—in process from an initial sketch and a nearly finished cover to a final cover and a book ready to publish.
Reviewed by Mimie Odigwe for Readers' Favorite
Choo! Choo! Choo! The Train at the Zoo, written by Kathleen Welton and with beautiful illustrations by Tamara Joubert, invites young readers on a whimsical journey on a train ride through the zoo, seeing the different animals. The lions roar, the gorillas swing from the trees, and the tigers, polar bears, and zebras play around the zoo’s landscape. Once it’s night, the owl hoots and the train ride comes to an end. With each turn of the page, young readers are immersed in the joyful chaos of the animal kingdom. The pace of this book is suited for its target audience, with short, rhythmic sentences that mirror the cadence of the train wheels turning. Children would find the story even more captivating and enjoyable if it is sung along to the timeless melody of The Wheels on the Bus by Cocomelon.
Through the lens of a train ride, children are introduced to a variety of zoo animals, which encourages curiosity, wonder, and excitement in exploring nature and wildlife. The characters are primarily the zoo animals, each brought to life through Tamara Joubert’s vibrant illustrations. The colorful images complement the text, capturing the attention of young readers and keeping them engaged throughout the journey. Overall, Choo! Choo! Choo! The Train at the Zoo by Kathleen Welton is a charming and captivating book that celebrates nature, fun, and adventures. With its engaging plot, vibrant characters, and delightful pacing, it is sure to be a favorite among young readers and a cherished addition to any children’s bookshelf.
