Meet the Author Behind Maplewood

Stories for children still learning how brightly they shine.

Joe Nelson is the founder of Maplewood Creative Works and the author of children’s stories that help young readers feel seen, valued, and proud of who they are. His books celebrate courage, kindness, friendship, and the quiet hidden gifts children are still learning to trust in themselves.

The world of Maplewood began with a real hedgehog.

In 2006, while serving in the United States Navy, Joe Nelson cared for a tiny hedgehog named Hayden. Hayden was small, grumpy, and quick to curl into a tight ball when the world felt too big. Years later, Joe Nelson began noticing that same guarded posture in children. Kids who felt different. Children often questioned whether their uniqueness made them stand out.

Joe Nelson wanted to write stories that reached those children early. Stories that offered language for big feelings and reminded them that what makes someone different often becomes their greatest gift.

From that idea grew Maplewood Forest. A place where courage, kindness, and friendship foster the emergence of hidden gifts.

Joe Nelson served ten years in the United States Navy before earning his degree in interior design from The Art Institute of Silicon Valley. He lives in North Carolina and works as a lighting designer, creating thoughtful environments for schools, theaters, museums, and community spaces. Through design and storytelling, he strives to create work that helps people feel seen, understood, and connected.

At home, Joe Nelson shares life with his partner, Stephen, whose steady kindness and encouragement have guided him for many years. Joe Nelson often describes Stephen as his constant and the quiet compass that keeps him moving forward. Joe Nelson dedicated the first Maplewood book, Ziggy’s Swirly Shell, to him.

Joe Nelson also shares his home with two spirited West Highland Terriers, Riley and Maddy. Their joyful mischief inspired another Maplewood series and serves as a daily reminder that laughter, loyalty, and a little chaos belong in every good adventure.

Through every Maplewood story, Joe Nelson hopes children close the book feeling braver, more confident, and proud of the colors that make them who they are.

In Maplewood, the things we once tried to hide often become the colors that make us beautiful, illustrating how embracing our differences can lead to a richer, more vibrant community.

Three simple ideas helped shape the stories growing in Maplewood.

Hayden, a tiny hedgehog, served as a reminder to Joe Nelson that even the smallest creatures are capable of carrying profound stories.

Little Not-Yets, the children's quiet dreams, talents, and colors are still learning to trust as they navigate their journey of self-discovery and find their place in the vibrant community of Maplewood.

Kindness is the courage that fosters the growth of every character in Maplewood and enhances the brightness of the entire forest.

The Maplewood world continues to grow with new stories and characters.

Hayden the Hedgehog's Chronicles tells stories about uncovering the gifts we once attempted to conceal, illustrating how embracing our true selves can lead to personal growth and deeper connections with others.

Riley & Maddy’s Chronicles is about two Westie sisters who transform everyday chaos into laughter and love.

Sergeant Pepper & Lee’s Chronicles is about two tiny heroes helping a child face life’s big feelings.

Finnick the Komodo Dragon's Chronicles follows an inventive Komodo and his friends as they creatively solve forest problems.

Ollie & Jasper’s Chronicles is about two otters showing how kindness and teamwork strengthen a community.

Every story in Maplewood begins with a character discovering something brave inside themselves.

Explore the books
Enter Maplewood Story Hollow