Welcome to the virtual-digital-super-real-fantasy-not-so-serious-imaginary-web-place-dwelling of Andy Keats.
Announcing our first full-length novel!
Follow the exploits of Daniel McCarter as he explores the fantasy touched hills of Appalachia.
A modern tall tale that weaves together adventure, humor, and heart.
When thirteen-year-old Daniel loses his grandfather, he loses his belief in magical stories. No more giants stomping across misty Appalachian valleys. No more bandits with hidden treasure troves. Nothing worth believing in-until Daniel stumbles across Grandpa's forgotten workshop. One minute, he's exploring dusty shelves with his little sister, Alex, and troublemaking cousin Brent-the next, they're tumbling into a world where groundhog lawyers argue impossible cases, river pirates sail hidden waterways, and mysterious voices whisper through hurricane winds.
Drawing on rich Appalachian folklore and Cherokee legends, this adventure plunges readers into a realm where stories hold power, and finding one's voice might be the only way home.
Perfect for young readers who:
Love portal fantasies with quirky characters and unexpected twists
Are looking for stories that deal sensitively with grief and loss
Enjoy books read aloud in manageable sessions
Have shorter attention spans or are reluctant readers who appreciate visual elements
With charming illustrations scattered throughout, brief chapters perfect for bedtime reading, and a story that can be enjoyed one adventure at a time, Story Weaver is the ideal next read for Percy Jackson, The Land of Stories, and The Wild Robot fans.
This heartfelt adventure teaches us that honoring the past doesn't mean you can't create your future-and that sometimes, the stories we tell ourselves matter most.
What would your Grandpa do?
E-Book available May 3, 2025 through Kindle Direct.
Paperback available May 17, 2025 from Amazon, Ingram Spark, Barnes & Noble, and more. Special hardcover edition to follow!
Celebrating Our First Release!
Embark on a journey through Spooky Tales, a mesmerizing collection of short stories that unveil Andy Keats’ unique narrative approach. Uncover a monster mashup of 10 intriguing tales and 2 interactive games to spark your imagination.
Experience a delightful mix of whimsy and chills in this collection, where laughter lightens every scare. Perfect for Halloween, but entertaining all year round.
Crafted with giggles in mind, these stories were dreamed up to delight both young and old at bedtime.
Mission: Accomplished!
#1 Children's Halloween and Children's Interactive Adventure eBook on Amazon!
Audiobook available now on Google Play!
Who (or what) is Andy Keats?
A dynamic duo made up of two authors, Chad and Jason Smith. Together, we share a deep love for art, storytelling, and creating magical worlds for children to explore.
Under our pen name, Andy Keats, we are embarking on an exciting journey to bring you captivating children’s novels and engaging activity books through our publishing company, Creative Salad Studios. Named for our belief that creativity is a mix of exciting ingredients, Creative Salad Studios is dedicated to crafting high-quality books that ignite imaginations and foster a love for reading.
Based on our passion for storytelling and our desire to create meaningful experiences for young readers, every project we undertake is a labor of love. Despite our day jobs—Chad bringing joy to families in Osaka, Japan, working in family entertainment, and Jason serving his community as a firefighter in East Tennessee—we dedicate our free time to nurturing our creativity and sharing stories that resonate with our own families.
Our upcoming projects span from adventurous novels set in mystical realms, like our debut novel centered in the Great Smoky Mountains, to interactive activity books designed to inspire creativity and learning.
Join us on this magical adventure with Creative Salad Studios, where every book is a cherished creation meant to be enjoyed by families everywhere. Together, let’s spark imaginations, inspire creativity, and create memories that last a lifetime.
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