Stories that inspire kindness and wonder, one page at a time.
I’m an animal lover, always have been always will be. When I was young, I related to animals far more than my siblings, or people in general. I was a whimsical imaginative child, with a penchant for saving animals. I always thought, I was a better parent to most people’s pets then they were.
I can remember as early as five years old, playing at the farm across the street, with the pigs, goats, chickens, and of course, the farm cats. I considered all of them to be my friends, and confidantes. I spent many hours with them, talking to them, and caring for them as if they were my own. I was described as a child of, “Whimsical Folly!”
Going forward, not much has changed. I am still an animal lover, and have had many beloved pets throughout my lifetime. Bringing Buster to life on paper, has brought me supreme joy, and memories of the many happy times, he and I spent together.
My wish is that you will grow to love Buster’s adventurous nature, and lively spirit, as I did, and bring these books into your child’s life as a friend, and playmate to grow and learn with.
Let the Adventure’s Begin – Susan O’Malley
The journey of Buster the Cat began with a simple conversation. While sharing my dream of creating a children's book, a friend mentioned that her 12-year-old daughter, Alana, loved to draw. That introduction became the start of something special.
Armed with pencil and crayon, Alana brought my imaginary characters, Buster the Cat and Momma Big Hair, to life. Her illustrations became the foundation of my first three stories, including the self-published Buster the Cat Finds a Home in 2005.
Today, Alana is a pediatric dentist, but she still loves to doodle. Her original artwork will always hold a special place in the heart of the Buster series.
In 2021, I decided it was time to continue the journey. Together with Rita Visser of Oomph Niagara Design and illustrator Bob Goodall, we reimagined Buster and Momma Big Hair for a new generation. The result is Books with a Heart—stories filled with kindness, love, and memorable rhymes that we hope become treasured additions to your child's bookshelf.
WE LOVE OUR FANS!
Meet the Creative Team
The magical world of Buster and Bug comes to life through the creative partnership of Rita Visser and Bob Goodall.
As Creative Director, Rita designs and shapes the visual storytelling of the books—from page layouts to the look and feel of the Momma Big Hair brand online and in print. Bob, an illustrator with more than 20 years of freelance experience, transforms those ideas into lively, imaginative scenes full of character and charm.
Working closely with author Susan O’Malley (Momma Big Hair), each page begins as a conversation. Where should Buster be standing? What mood should the scene capture? And most importantly… where is Bug hiding this time?
Their favourite moments are dreaming up the whimsical details that make readers smile. Together, they continue building the world of Buster, Bug, and friends—including the upcoming fourth book, Buster Finds Clucky, and a poetry collection by Susan O’Malley.
Reach on Out!
