Who we are
About the Author
Dawn Dolan is a children’s author, grape farmer, and wine marketing consultant who traded the classroom for the barnyard and discovered that her best stories were waiting there all along. A former elementary teacher and grandmother of young children, Dawn knows what makes young minds both chuckle and marvel. She brings that understanding to every page of her debut series, which features Maybelline, a spirited baby goat.
When she’s not writing, Dawn can be found on her small farm, tending grape vines and chickens, and wrangling her wonderfully capricious goat herd. She loves kidding season best, “There is nothing quite like watching my beloved grandchildren interact with an adorable newborn baby goat.”
Her professional writing background in the wine industry taught her to craft compelling stories, but it’s the daily antics of her four-legged friends that provide endless inspiration. Dawn lives where the vines meet the barn, and she is surrounded by funny, sweet and sometimes naughty characters who inspire her books. When she’s not writing, gardening, or hanging out with her family, Dawn can be found enjoying her farm.
About the Illustrator
Olena Kharkovenko's realistic and touching mixed media illustrations bring fun little goat Maybelline to life. She easily conveys the charm of farm living to young readers aged 3 to 6. The delicate texture of the pencil and warm colors make each page an engaging experience for the whole family.
Olena Kharkovenko is a professional illustrator with 14 years of experience. Originally from Ukraine, she currently lives and works in sunny Greece. Olena’s creative foundation is built on a unique educational background: she graduated from art school specializing in painting and also holds a university degree in History.
Throughout her career, Olena has collaborated with publishers and private clients worldwide, with a portfolio that includes nearly 20 illustrated children’s books. Her study of history gives her an exceptional eye for detail, while her artistic passion allows her to create vibrant, soulful worlds for young readers. Olena is proud to be the illustrator of the Maybelline series, bringing forward the charming character of this mischievous goat.
12/30/25
It’s Almost Time, Maybelline!
I’m a real person, so going a bit nutso prepping everything so that my first book can launch in March of 2026! I’m thankful to all the videos I’ve watched, many other children’s authors I’ve viewed, and the myriad of other helping factors that have had to come together to self-publish my Maybelline Book Series, starting with Maybelline Has A Very. Bad. Day. I appreciate my husband, who is patiently offering support while I write (turns out this was the easy part!), develop a Maybelline website, Instagram account, Amazon KDP account, Ingram Spark account, register for ISBN’s….the list goes on!
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