Janet Tlachac-Toonen

I grew up in rural Door County, WI near Sturgeon Bay. For a short time also lived in FL but decided to give up the sunshine and warmth of the Tampa area and return to WI. Currently I live in Dyckesville WI, northeast of Green Bay, with my husband Pete.

I am an author, illustrator and fine artist. My favorite mediums are colored pencil, aquarelle crayon, acrylic painting and pen & ink and fused glass. My literary works are all children's picture books that feature my original characters. Sidney the Bear is the oldest of my characters. He was created back in 1979. I have been drawing him since I was 15 years old.

My mission is to provide wholesome, fun stories. Through my characters and writing, I want to encourage kids to read, but also take away a good message. Giving kids a key to unlock their own imaginations by writing about different places and creating engaging characters is my ultimate goal.

Stay Toon'd Publishing is a Native American owned independent publisher. Founded in 2015, owner Janet Tlachac-Toonen is from the Bear Clan of The Oneida Nation of Wisconsin. Janet's work has been recognized for excellence in both writing and illustration having received a 2020 First Place in the Royal Dragonfly Awards for her story, A Firefly Tale and an Honorable Mention for it's cover art. She also has won a 2nd place Award in the 2020 Purple Dragonfly Awards with her book, The Studio Tree and an Honorable mention for Cozmo's Wish. A Forest Lesson book was a two time award winner in the 2019 Story Monster Approved Awards.