Katie Keating is not your typical children’s author. She’s a self-starting, Idaho-raised creative who left behind the structure of a corporate career to pursue something far less predictable—and way more fun. Her journey began in Kimberly, Idaho, where she grew up in a farm community with limited access to big-city opportunities. “We didn’t grow up with this idea that you could go to New York and be a journalist,” she says. “It was more like—let’s do something practical.”
Still, from a young age, Katie had a love for writing. “When I was 14, I wrote a few columns that got published in a little local kids’ book thing. I think a local gal made it. But it was published—and to me, that was a big deal.”
After attending CSI (her dream was BSU), Katie’s journey led her to Hawaii for four years before returning to Idaho, where she got married, had her son, and found herself in a reliable but creatively unfulfilling corporate job. “I could do it. But I wasn’t enjoying it,” she says. “So I asked my husband if I could quit. He asked what I wanted to do, and I said, ‘I don’t know yet. I just have this creative energy I need to use.’”
That energy eventually turned into a spark—thanks to her son, who pointed out that all the silly fart books were about dads. “I searched everywhere—there were dad toot books, dragon toot books, bunny toots… but nothing about moms. So I said, ‘Oh, moms don’t do that,’ and then I thought—wait, that’s the title. My Mom Doesn’t Toot.”
The result is a clever, hilarious, and surprisingly sweet picture book that’s been a hit with parents and kids alike. “There’s this one part that adults always laugh at,” Katie says with a smile. “It goes: Luckily Dad walked in, and that’s when I said, ‘Dad, do you think Mom farts?’ He stood there scratching his head. ‘Well, that’s a great question, son. I’ve heard some pretty weird noises coming from your mom’s bum.’”
The humor strikes that perfect balance—not crude, but just enough to get the giggles. “I didn’t grow up with this kind of humor—we didn’t talk about that stuff in my house. But my son thinks it’s hilarious. And honestly? So does my husband.”
Katie’s books are also heavily inspired by her love for Dr. Seuss—his rhythm, playfulness, and even his lack of punctuation. “I love how whimsical and flowing his books are. That’s the energy I try to channel.”
She even started her own publishing imprint, Fill in the Blank Books, so she could manage every creative aspect herself—from concept to promotion. “I love being hands-on. I don’t want to hand off something and hope it turns out how I imagined.”
And her efforts are paying off. Katie’s books are now being stocked at major retailers like Walmart, Barnes & Noble, and Amazon, as well as beloved local shops including the Boise Co-op, Sundry, Baby Maven, and other boutique stores throughout Idaho and Utah. “I’ve been doing restocks all month,” she says. “It’s so surreal walking into a store and seeing it on the shelf.”
Her second title, The Toot Before Christmas, is equally charming and festive, and her third book, Toots in the Dark, is currently being illustrated. “My son actually came up with that title,” she laughs. “Then I had to figure out how to build a story around it. But that’s the fun part.”
When asked who would be her dream comedian to read her books aloud, Katie doesn’t hesitate. “Jim Gaffigan. I love him. But Jack Black too—kids love Jack Black.”
Katie’s now on a multi-state book tour, hitting stops in Idaho, Utah, and Arizona. She’s writing, stocking shelves, reading to kids, and building a brand that’s as smart as it is silly. And if you know Jack Black? Maybe mention it.
Where to Find Katie Keating’s Books:
- Website: www.katiekeatingbooks.com
- Retailers: Walmart, Barnes & Noble, Amazon
- Local Shops: Boise Co-op, Sundry, IBeni Boutique, Baby Maven, and select boutiques across Idaho and Utah
