Coloring Page
Print and color Cole, Milo, and the beautiful town of Stanley.
Open Coloring PageWelcome to Stanley
Stories rooted in kindness, curiosity, and home.
Step into the Shenandoah Valley, where quiet afternoons, unexpected friendships, and little adventures become unforgettable stories.
Heartwarming stories for children, families, classrooms, and anyone who still believes wonder can be found close to home.
Featured Book
The Boy with Red Hair
Meet Cole, a curious boy with bright red hair, a love of fishing, and a gift for noticing the small wonders around him.
Set beside a peaceful pond in Stanley, Virginia, this warm picture book celebrates patience, friendship, and the joy of slowing down long enough to notice what matters.
- Perfect for children ages 4–8
- A cozy read-aloud for home, school, or library
- Inspired by Virginia's Shenandoah Valley
Meet Katie
Writing stories inspired by family, home, and small-town wonder.
Katie Barlow is a children's author from Virginia's Shenandoah Valley. Her stories are rooted in kindness, curiosity, friendship, and the unforgettable moments that make childhood special.
When she is not writing, Katie works in human resources, serves her community, and spends time with her two sons. She hopes her books encourage children to slow down, look closely, and believe their own ideas are worth sharing.
Connect with KatieThe World of Stanley
A familiar little town where every path can lead to a story.
The church, water tower, pond, mountains, and great old oak tree create a place children can return to again and again.
The PondThe ChurchThe Water TowerThe Big TreeThe Mountains
School & Library Visits
Bring the story to your young readers.
Katie offers warm, interactive visits for elementary schools, libraries, bookstores, family literacy nights, and community events.
Find Milo
Search the picture and count how many Milo mice you can find.
Open Find Milo PageMy First Storyboard
Plan, draw, and write your own children's book with Cole and Milo.
Open Storyboard BookletFree Activities
Keep the story going.
Printable resources for families, teachers, librarians, and young readers are being added here.
Find Milo
Search the picture and count how many Milo mice you can find.
Open Find Milo PageMy First Storyboard
Plan, draw, and write your own children\'s book with Cole and Milo.
Open Storyboard Booklet
Coming Next
Meet Milo
A tiny mouse. A very messy room. And the beginning of an unexpected friendship.
Katie's next story returns to Cole's world and introduces Milo, a clever little collector with a big personality and an even bigger heart.
Coming soonUpcoming Events
Meet Katie in person.
Join Katie for a meet-the-author event featuring The Boy with Red Hair.
SEP
19
2026
Meet the Author
Bill Kibler Memorial Library
Saturday, September 19, 2026
10:00 AM–1:00 PM
140 E Main St
Stanley, VA 22851
OCT
3
2026
Meet the Author
Shenandoah Museum
Saturday, October 3, 2026
2:00 PM
507 First St
Shenandoah, VA 22849
Contact
I'd love to hear from you.
For school visits, library programs, bookstore events, media inquiries, or a simple hello, reach out anytime.