Individual, illustrated, stories for ages 6-8
Short Story Collections for middle grade kids. Slightly more advanced than the ages 6-8 books.
Story collections that introduce more mature themes in age appropriate ways
Story collections with mature themes for teenagers/young adults and adults
Two early collections of the zoo stories from before the publishing relationship with Fabled & Bound began. Intended for readers of all ages but may contain mature themes. recommended age 10+
Learn how the Zoo Collection came into existence
A curious bat colony dares to dream big, launching into an imaginative quest that defies expectations and ends up taking them somewhere far more fabulous than they ever imagined. Full of heart, humor, and high-flying fun, this story is a celebration of curiosity, teamwork, and the joy of discovery-with a rhythm all its own.
Cover and information coming soon
Cover and information coming soon
Cover and Information coming soon
Scheduled for publication on 12/15/25. this is subject to change
Coming Soon
The collection that started it all.
Explore the captivating world of animals through 30 heartwarming and enchanting stories in our anthology. Join us on a journey of discovery, empathy, and wonder as we uncover the remarkable stories of creatures big and small, each with their own unique adventures to share. Whether you're a nature lover, a storyteller, or simply seeking inspiration, this anthology is a must-read for all ages. Immerse yourself in the beauty of our planet's animal inhabitants and be inspired by their extraordinary lives.
The Zoo Collection began not as a publishing goal, but as a lifeline. At a time when I was deeply impacted by moderate to severe PTSD—an invisible disability that reshaped my life—I turned to writing as a form of rehabilitation and healing. These stories weren’t just words on a page; they were steps toward reclaiming my sense of self.
As I healed, so did my writing. What started as fragmented reflections gradually became more fluid, imaginative, and resonant. The Zoo Collection organically emerged from this growth. The first books, Welcome to the Zoo and The Zoo Goes Bonkers!, were born from this evolution, initially self-published and later supported by a hybrid publisher.
But the real turning point came when I found Fabled & Bound. They recognized the deeper value in my work—not just the creativity but the emotional truth underneath it. They helped reshape the Zoo books into age-appropriate stories, making the collection more accessible to a wider audience while preserving its heart.
Why animals? That began long before the PTSD. During my nursing studies—before I had to leave the profession due to trauma sustained in the ICU—I chose children’s literature as an elective. I was reminded of the joy animals brought me as a child, especially through stories like Charlotte's Web. They offered comfort, learning, and imagination—and I knew that through animals, I could safely explore the complexities of human experience.
I built the Zoo as a space for everyone. A space of wonder, unpredictability, and healing. My philosophy is simple: Everyone is welcome at the Zoo, and you never know what you’ll find there.
The collection began as 30 stories grouped together—driven by the belief that stories should be rich in value and diversity. But with time and growth, I recognized the benefit of tailoring content for younger attention spans, and embraced this shift wholeheartedly.
I hope readers enjoy The Zoo Collection—not just for its whimsy and warmth, but for the healing it represents. These stories helped me heal from PTSD, and I offer them in the spirit of hope, resilience, and inclusion.
Paul Smith Books
Copyright © 2025 Paul Smith Books - All Rights Reserved.
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.