LEONARDTOWN, Md. — A new Christian children’s book with Southern Maryland ties is now available, with a community book signing scheduled for next month. “Mr. Ugly and the Terrible Raid,” written by JoLyn H. and illustrated by Ali Brown, features heartfelt storytelling with playful, expressive illustrations to help children process big emotions through love, grace and faith.
In the story, a joyful, imaginative young girl finds her playtime suddenly overtaken by frustration and anger — until a shadowy figure called Mr. Ugly slips into her heart. Guided by her loving father, she learns that forgiveness, grace and God’s love offer the way back to peace.
In a time when screens and noise often crowd children’s daily lives, JoLyn said she wanted to create something different — something faith-filled, wholesome and real. Her debut picture book was born from a desire to fill children’s shelves with stories rooted in love, truth and emotional understanding.
Inspired by Everyday Parenting
The inspiration for “Mr. Ugly” came from an unexpected place — JoLyn’s own mother. While caring for JoLyn’s children, her mother had a clever way of calming tantrums: “If you don’t settle down, Mr. Ugly is going to get into your heart.” The warning worked every time. The children didn’t know exactly what it meant, but it sounded bad enough that they wanted to avoid it. That family saying stayed with JoLyn and became the seed for her debut story.
“I want children to know that big feelings are okay, but they don’t have to stay stuck in them,” JoLyn shares. “There is always a way back through love, grace and God’s help.”
Bringing the Story to Life Through Art
Ali Brown, the illustrator, brings JoLyn’s vision to life with expressive, colorful drawings. She combines watercolor and textured line work with her background in photography and digital design to create illustrations that capture both the playfulness and the emotional depth of childhood.
“Both of us agree it’s such a surreal, amazing feeling to see a child reading your words and art!” Brown said.
A self-taught artist, Brown discovered her passion for illustrating children’s books during the pandemic, when she reignited her love for painting and drawing. With her background in photography, she began scanning her artwork and experimenting with digital design, which then opened the door to illustration opportunities.
“I think the best part of creating the illustrations for me was watching how page by page it came together from pieces of ideas to a full story that came to life,” Brown said.
More to Come
This book is only the beginning. JoLyn plans to expand the “Mr. Ugly” series, with each installment focusing on different behaviors and how children can process them in healthy, faith-based ways.
“Whether it’s anger, jealousy, fighting, fear or even lying — kids are facing so much, and they need tools to understand what’s going on inside,” she explains. “I want to help them do that through stories that bring them closer to God.”
Community Book Signing
Southern Maryland families will soon have a chance to meet the duo behind the book. A Meet the Author & Illustrator event is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Fenwick Street Used Books in Leonardtown. Guests can hear about the creative process, meet both JoLyn and Ali, and purchase signed copies.
Books are already available on Amazon and will also be offered at local craft shows, vendor fairs and shops across the region, giving families multiple ways to support JoLyn and Ali.
About the Creators
JoLyn H. — A native of Oklahoma and a devoted Christian, JoLyn is a Navy military wife, a pilot’s wife and a mother of four. She homeschooled her children, an experience that shaped her heart for teaching, parenting and faith. Her journey has included immense joy as well as profound sorrow, including the loss of her oldest son. That grief strengthened her calling to share hope, healing and God’s love with others, especially through her writing.
When she is not writing, JoLyn enjoys camping, traveling with her husband, riding on the back of their motorcycle and singing praise and worship music. She believes every child has a unique identity in Christ and that stories can help them find it.
Ali Brown — A portrait photographer and self-taught artist, Brown blends her love of traditional painting with digital design. She discovered her passion for illustrating children’s books during the pandemic and has since collaborated with authors to bring their stories to life. Known for her resilience, creativity and faith-driven outlook, she continues to work in photography and design while also developing her own book, expected later this year.
Brown is a homeschool mother of four and the wife of an active-duty military service member. The military life has shaped her creativity and resilience. Inspired by her entrepreneurial mother, she approaches challenges as opportunities to learn, adapt and grow. “When problems arise in my creative journey, I take them on as a challenge instead of letting them pull me down,” Brown said.
Take a peek inside Mr. Ugly and the Terrible Raid book trailer.
Got a tip or photo? Text us at 888-871-NEWS (6397) or email news@thebaynet.com.
Join The BayNet Membership for exclusive perks and zero ads.
Don’t miss a story—sign up for our newsletter!
It’s nice to see a children’s book that mixes imagination with a positive message.