Our Story

THE CHALLENGE

Life isn’t easy, and it is important to learn how to regulate our emotions and better understand human relationships as we learn and grow. Children face all sorts of dynamics in their young lives. It can be challenging to help them understand their big feelings and handle situations in ways that aren’t scary or intimidating.

Enter Forest Crossing Friends — a children’s book series about the adventures of forest critters making their way in the world. Our books and products act as a creative, fun, and approachable way to help teachers, parents, and mentors start conversations about emotions and life. The series was created to help future generations better connect with their emotions—encouraging empathy and understanding as they navigate life.

OUR VISION

To live in a more loving and connected world.

OUR MISSION

To help 1 million kids better connect with their emotions and build empathy through reading and adventure.

Every year, more books will be added to the series, so follow along and join our e-mail list if you’re interested in launches, markets, readings, and events. Thank you for your interest and support!

@forestcrossingfriends
hello@forestcrossingfriends.com

About the Author & Illustrator

Casey Kelly Pérez is a brand and UI designer with 15+ years of experience with clients from all over North America, focusing primarily on branding, visual identity, packaging, UX, UI, and painting murals.

Her career has lead her to High Alpha Innovation, a venture building studio, where she works with an amazing team, partners, and founders as a Senior Brand Designer.

Casey loves time in the woods, skiing, mountain biking, golfing and running, and Bourbon.

After a move in 2021, Casey found herself rummaging through a childhood memory box. There, she found several old handmade books and notes that shared her desire to be an author and an illustrator when she grew up. 

So why not? This led Casey to explore her childhood dreams and combine it with her love for people, adventure, and the outdoors. Enter Forest Crossing Friends, a passion project where she writes and illustrates 1–2 books each year and designs branded children's products, She also attends a few pop ups a year and books 1-2 school visits each year to read and inspire passion for art, design, imagination, and writing.

portrait of author and illustrator Casey Kelly Perez; she is wearing a gray sweatshirt and black beanie cap and is standing in front of a blue alpine lake

Retail Locations

Pressed Books & Coffee

Bookworm