Ashland Author Jennifer Lyons Rises from Cancer Battle to Publish Uplifting Children’s Books Rooted in Faith and Courage
ASHLAND, OHIO – With a heart full of faith, a pen in her hand, and a Shih-Tzu named Charles at her feet, local author Jennifer Lyons is ready to unleash her newest story to the world: “Stinky Bowfinky and His Dirty Dog Dew.” This quirky, comical tale carries with it not just whimsical illustrations and wordplay — but the indomitable spirit of a woman who overcame one of life’s toughest battles to inspire others through storytelling.
Lyons, a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Ashland native, is much more than an author — she is also an illustrator, editor, and publisher who is steadily building a powerful portfolio of Christian children’s books that tackle real-life issues with grace, humor, and biblical truth. Her upcoming release, “Stinky Bowfinky and His Dirty Dog Dew,” has been 15 years in the making — but the journey to publication took a dramatic turn just two years ago.
“I had actually started putting the book together when I was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer,” Lyons shared in a recent interview. “That really delayed everything. I went through treatment for a year, and now that I’ve been cancer-free for another year, I’m finally getting back to working on my books.”
Lyons’ resilience in the face of cancer is mirrored in the core themes of her writing: perseverance, faith, and triumph over adversity. The titles of her books read like chapters of a spiritual roadmap: “Freedom Frog: How Freddie Got a New Name,” “Crystal Clear: Answer to Prayer,” “When Who Flusters You, What Do You Do, The Land of the Who Flusters Who” — all available on Amazon and her newly launched website, jenniferlyonsbooks.com.
Her books are beautifully illustrated and deeply rooted in Christian values, but they don’t shy away from addressing real-world struggles. “I want my books to be more than just fun stories,” she said. “I want them to shine light into dark places — for children who may be dealing with bullying, addiction in the home, or even the doubts that come with unanswered prayers.”
Stories That Heal, Teach, and Uplift
Lyons’ debut, “Freedom Frog,” is a colorful allegory about overcoming fear and bullying. It tells the story of Freddie Frog, who lives in a peaceful forest community plagued by a sinister serpent named Sergio Sir Slippery Snake. Through faith, friendship, and courage, Freddie discovers his true identity in Christ and earns a brand new name. “It’s about standing strong on God’s promises and using prayer as your weapon,” Lyons explained. “I hope it encourages kids to believe they are never alone.”
Her second book, “Crystal Clear: Answer to Prayer,” takes readers on an adventure grounded in a true story. “It’s about a little girl who prayed for a turtle — and got one,” Lyons laughed. “It sounds simple, but it’s a powerful testimony that God hears the prayers of children.”
Perhaps her most socially relevant book, “When Who Flusters You, What Do You Do,” is a whimsical-yet-serious look at the drug epidemic. Illustrated with bright, cartoonish imagery, the book delivers an age-appropriate introduction to issues like stranger danger, the importance of calling 911, and recognizing that drugs can take many forms. “It’s a tough topic, but it’s happening all around us. I wanted to create something that helps parents and kids talk about it — something that opens the door to that difficult conversation,” she said.
What’s Next for Jennifer Lyons?
With “Stinky Bowfinky and His Dirty Dog Dew” slated for release by mid-to-late July, Lyons is also finalizing two more titles: Precious Gift Beside the Sea and The Prophet and the Possum. Each promises to blend biblical themes with imaginative storytelling that children and adults alike can appreciate.
But Stinky Bowfinky might just steal the show.
“It’s a fun, dynamic story about entertaining angels unaware,” Lyons teased. “There’s humor, messiness, heart — and a lesson that will stick with you. I think it’s going to be a favorite.”
In addition to publishing in English, Lyons is working to make her books accessible worldwide. Her first book has already been translated into Hindi and Gujarati, with more translations planned in the future.
Family, Faith, and a Furry Muse
Jennifer Lyons’ life is as vibrant as the books she creates. She lives in Ashland with her husband, their 15-year-old son, a mischievous Shih-Tzu named Charles, and a wise cat named Gigi. She’s also the proud mother of five and grandmother to six — and her family serves as both inspiration and support system in her writing journey.
“Every one of my books comes from a place of love and faith,” Lyons said. “I write because I want to help children see that they are valuable, that God loves them, and that even in hard times, they are not alone.”
Whether she’s crafting stories about frogs overcoming fear, dogs delivering divine messages, or kids learning to navigate a complex world, Jennifer Lyons is proof that sometimes the best stories come from the hardest journeys — and that healing, hope, and humor can be found even in the messiest of tales.
To learn more about Jennifer Lyons or to purchase her books, visit www.jenniferlyonsbooks.com or find her titles on Amazon and Kindle.
