Kelly Caleb

About the Author

Kelly Caleb, LCSW, MCAP, is a licensed therapist, certified hypnotherapist, and trained provider of Accelerated Resolution Therapy. She holds a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Buena Vista University and a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Southern California.

Originally from Wisconsin—where she spent plenty of time with cows but none with llamas—Kelly now lives in sunny Clearwater, Florida. As both a therapist and a mother, she has seen firsthand the power of storytelling to teach emotional resilience. She draws on her professional experience helping clients with mental health and substance use challenges, weaving mindfulness and self-compassion into playful stories for children and families.

Kelly is the creator of the Now Cow series, a collection of modern fables written in rhyming verse. Inspired by Eckhart Tolle’s The Power of Now, these tales simplify mindfulness concepts with a cadence reminiscent of Dr. Seuss, making them fun, memorable, and easy to revisit.

When she’s not writing or counseling, Kelly enjoys reading, spending time with her family, puzzling her way through Escape Rooms, practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (blue belt), and even learning Korean. Mindfulness meditation remains at the heart of her personal and professional life.

Kelly also shares stories through her YouTube channel, Now Cow and Friends, where families can experience the first Now Cow adventure online.

About the Illustrator

John VanHout III, an artist based in Tampa, FL, brings the Now Cow characters to life with warmth and imagination. Though this series marks his first published work, John has been delighting friends, family, and local customers with his art since he first picked up a pencil at age five.

The Now Cow Series

Now Cow was born of the idea to simplify mindfulness meditation using a rhyming cadence. A Dr. Seuss type rhythm keeps concepts entertaining and easy to recall. Inspired by Eckhart Tolle’s The Power of Now, the first story “Now Cow Helps Drama Llama: A Mindful Tale for Coping with Anxiety” has since expanded to become a series of 10 books.

Each book in the Now Cow series is a mindful fable designed to spark courage, kindness, and emotional self-awareness:

Book 1: Now Cow Helps Drama Llama: A Mindful Tale for Coping with Anxiety

Drama Llama worries about everything under the sun. Now Cow teaches mindfulness and deep breathing to help Drama Llama see things in a new way and overcome fear.

Book 2: Now Cow Helps Bad Habit Rabbit: A Mindful Tale for Changing Behaviors

Bad Habit Rabbit is late, messy, and careless. With Now Cow’s guidance, he learns responsibility and how small mindful choices can change his life.

Book 3: Now Cow Helps Lost My Shoe Caribou: A Mindful Tale for Personal Responsibility

Lost My Shoe Caribou can’t keep track of his things. Now Cow helps him embrace simplicity, responsibility, and generosity.

Book 4: Now Cow Helps Fighter Spider: A Mindful Tale for Coping with Anger

Fighter Spider lashes out and bullies others. Now Cow teaches her self-control, mindfulness, and how true strength comes from within.

Book 5: Now Cow Helps Mole in the Hole: A Mindful Tale for Coping with Depression

Mole in the Hole feels stuck in sadness and loneliness. With the help of Now Cow and friends, he learns to accept support and rediscover connection.

What Readers Say:

"Ms. Caleb's use of rhyme and knowledge of mental health disorders makes for a fun and educational tool for children to learn appropriate and healthy coping skills. I highly recommend the Now Cow series for anyone who works with children or has children of their own! "

Nicole Locklear, LCSW

"The thoughtful message of mindfulness in this story is clear and relevant. What better way to promote positive habits than a clear image of the "prize" we receive: time, energy, and a greater capacity for love. I'm keeping it on my shelf for my clients and my own children. We could all use a friend like Now Cow."

Alyssa Schell, MSW

"Now Cow Helps Bad Habit Rabbit is a beautiful illustration to help children and adults alike learn ways to build better habits in a healthy manner. The coping skills utilized in this book are simple and easy to understand for all ages to help calm the mind when frustrated or uncertain. A wonderful read!"

Jessica Mueller, MSW, RCSWI