Who we are
About the Author
Dawn Dolan is a children’s author, grape farmer, and wine marketing consultant who enjoys her small farm and menagerie of farm dogs, barn cats, chickens, and her funny and capricious goats.
Dawn has spent her recent years working in the wine industry. On her small farm, she has a blast raising goats to show with her grandchildren. She’s learned to milk and make cheese, as well as less exciting things like trimming hooves and giving shots. She enjoys kidding season as there is nothing better than adorable grandchildren with adorable newborn goat kids!
After years of dreaming about writing for children, Dawn found her inspiration in an unexpected place—her own barnyard. Her debut series features Maybelline, a spirited baby goat, whose adventures and misadventures are inspired by the funny, sweet, and sometimes naughty characters and their sometimes puzzling behaviors on Dawn’s farm.
When she’s not writing, gardening, or hanging out with her family, Dawn can be found observing and enjoying the daily antics of her four-legged farm friends, who seem to provide endless entertainment.
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 on March 1, 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!
Contact us
Have a question or request? Check the FAQ section, then fill out the info and I will be in touch shortly. I can’t wait to hear from you!