About Andrew K. Johnston…
Andrew K. Johnston is the author of The Adventures of Bo and Mr. Quillery, a wholesome early chapter book series set in the imaginative world of the Riverdill Lands. The idea for the series began during the COVID lockdown when Andrew created bedtime stories for his children—stories designed to entertain while teaching meaningful life lessons. With encouragement from family, Andrew began sharing these adventures with a wider audience.
Inspired by Andrew’s past real-life pets—a Great Pyrenees named Bo and a Northern Bobwhite quail named Mr. Quillery—the series blends animal fantasy, high-stakes adventure, and themes of friendship, courage, forgiveness, and faith. Johnston’s animal-led storytelling is influenced by classic works of moral fantasy such as Redwall by Brian Jacques and The Green Ember by S.D. Smith and aims to cultivate what Johnston calls a “righteous imagination” in young readers.
Andrew’s story ideas stem from his devotional life and Christian worldview, focusing on the virtues he wants to instill in his children such as self-control, faithfulness, forgiveness, and more. He weaves these characteristics into the high-stakes adventures of good versus evil in the Riverdill Lands of his books. He hopes his young readers feel empowered by this narrative immersion and that it stays with them long after the book is closed.
In addition to writing, Johnston is a Registered Nurse and an IT Owner specializing in Business Process Automation, and a former Division I football player at Texas A&M University. Johnston lives in the Waco, Texas area with his wife, Erin, a true catalyst for his writing journey, and their family of five children who serve as the primary inspiration and first audience for every story.
Bo and Mr. Quillery
The Origin Story
It started in March 2020…
My family and I felt led to move to the rolling plains of Waco, Texas, to help with my parents' farm. Little did we know, a national COVID-19 lockdown was going to be declared the very next day! Unloading the moving truck, I remember thinking, "What just happened?" The stress of my nursing job, coupled with the move, was a becoming a whirlwind.
Shortly after beginning to settle, a stray Great Pyrenees wandered onto our property. We had no pets, so his arrival was a curious blessing. He became a source of comfort and protection for my wife and children during our isolation. Always walking with us, playing with my kids, and providing unfailing love. We called him Bo.
Around the same time, I began raising northern bobwhite quail (feel free to laugh). It was awesome and I had a blast. Mr. Quillery, a unique male bird among my flock, stood out with his quirky behaviors.
Amidst the chaos, Bo and Mr. Quillery were unexpected blessings. Though they are no longer with us due to the effects of their age and time, they remain in my families heart and memories.
Fast forward to 2023. I randomly began creating bedtime stories about Bo and Mr. Quillery for my four kids. These weren't just any stories; they were humorous, courageous, and heartwarming adventures. My children were captivated, their imaginations ignited by these two heroes.
One day, my daughter told me, “Daddy, you must tell other children about Bo and Mr. Quillery!” It surprised me a bit as I put my desires to write on hold…but I thought about it more.
After much prayer and consideration, I realized this was a way to fulfill my family's vision to impact children in future generations for good.
Fueled by my love of writing, my experience narrating audio books (the Lost Chick being my third), and countless hours spent world-building, I decided to self-publish "The Adventures of Bo and Mr. Quillery."
These stories, born out of a time of uncertainty and isolation, are a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, the power of faith, and the enduring magic of virtuous storytelling. Bo and Mr. Quillery, though they may have been just a dog and a quail, represent something far greater to me: the unwavering belief in goodness, the courage to face the unknown, and the enduring strength of friendship.
Just like Bo, who wandered in from the vast Texas plains, and Mr. Quillery, who stood out with his quirky spirit, these stories are a reminder that even in the most unexpected places, we can find extraordinary moments of grace and connection if only we would slow down to notice. They are a call to embrace the adventure that lies before each of us. To unlock the inner hero in our children’s hearts, and to live a life fueled by purpose that serves something greater than themselves. Oh, and a little bit of whimsy.
After all, isn't that what the world needs a little more of?
