Outskirts Press, INC.

Todd Reese is a passionate storyteller and illustrator whose children’s books celebrate kindness, courage, and the quiet power of caring. His creativity has always been shaped by curiosity, compassion, and a lifelong commitment to helping others. As a veteran social worker with decades of experience, Todd developed a deep belief in the healing power of stories—especially those that comfort, empower, and uplift young readers. Todd writes across two connected series featuring his protagonist Mistymoto. His early grade series, Mistymoto the Caring Cocker Spaniel, offers gentle, heartfelt stories for elementary and early middle grade readers, including Mistymoto Becomes a Nurse, Mistymoto and the Heart of a Nurse, and Mistymoto and the Howling Wind. These books highlight empathy, resilience, and the beauty of helping others. His upper middle grade Mistymoto Mystery Series introduces an anthropomorphic Mistymoto who solves mysteries infused with emotional depth, gentle suspense, and imaginative speculative elements. These stories—including Mistymoto’s Mystery and Mistymoto and the Lantern Wraith—blend detective adventure with supernatural wonder and empathy based science fiction. Todd’s personal journey of adjusting to partial vision loss has further enriched his storytelling, infusing his books with hope, resilience, and a profound appreciation for everyday courage. His illustrations often feature real scenes from his Jacksonville, Florida neighborhood, grounding Mistymoto’s adventures in familiar warmth and community spirit. Now retired and based in Jacksonville, Todd continues to write, foster senior cocker spaniels, and collect antiques and vintage dishes. Through every book he creates, he hopes to inspire children to see the world with compassion, curiosity, and wonder.