BEHIND THE BOOKS

AUTHOR LIFE
Stories Worth Sharing icon featuring an open book representing children's books, storytelling, creativity, imagination, literacy, journals, and inspiring readers through meaningful content.

The stories behind Oliver, the memories that shaped the books and the beautifully imperfect business of writing, publishing and becoming an author.
author Rayna Jo Zest signing Oliver the Owl children’s cookbook storybook at book event table with promotional materials

A Little Owl. A Very Big Nomination.

Stories Worth Sharing icon featuring an open book representing children's books, storytelling, creativity, imagination, literacy, journals, and inspiring readers through meaningful content.

A North Dakota Great Reads Nominee

Zestful Productions whisk icon representing cooking, baking, creativity, and hands-on kitchen fun.

Vote for Oliver

Zestful Productions heart outline icon representing connection, family, and meaningful moments.
Behind the Story: How Oliver the Owl Became a Pro
October 07, 2024

Behind the Story: How Oliver the Owl Became a Pro

Oliver the Owl didn't begin with an owl. He began with my Dad—a restaurant kitchen, 36 years of memories and a childhood surrounded by food.
Read more

The Oliver the Owl Library

Oliver the Owl: The Culinary Pro by Rayna Jo Zest on a light kitchen counter beside cookies, flour, a wooden spoon and a striped towel, with the illustrated owl chef cover visible.

Oliver the Owl: The Culinary Pro Kids Cookbook & Storybook

Oliver the Owl: The Culinary Pro Kids Cookbook & Storybook
$13.99
$13.99

Latest from Author Life

Stir, Point, Giggle: Meet Oliver the Owl’s Alphabet Soup
Stir, Point, Giggle: Meet Oliver the Owl’s Alphabet Soup
Inspired by my grandson’s excitement for his ABCs, Oliver’s Alphabet Soup brings playful rhymes, kitchen discoveries, and plenty of “plink,” “puff,” and “crunch” to storytime. Meet this toddler board book... Read more...
We Both Had a Story to Tell
We Both Had a Story to Tell
In the summer of 2023, Mom and I spent an afternoon turning a lifetime of stories into the beginnings of a book. Four hours, one zero draft and a convertible... Read more...
I Didn't Write the Books to Get Rich
I Didn't Write the Books to Get Rich
What does an independently published author actually make from a book? The answer isn't exactly yacht money—but I've learned the return isn't always measured in royalties. Read more...
Why I Keep Waiting for Someone to Call Me Out
Why I Keep Waiting for Someone to Call Me Out
Three books with my name on them should have been enough proof. Somehow, part of me was still waiting for someone to announce I wasn't a real author. Read more...
The Heart of the Holidays
The Heart of the Holidays
A Sweet Season was inspired by Mom and her love of Christmas. Just weeks after its release, life changed—and suddenly book promotion could wait. Read more...
My Childhood Dining Room
My Childhood Dining Room
Christmas at our house meant good china, German-Russian food, overflowing cookie trays and room for one more at the table. Mom had a way of making the whole season feel... Read more...
Behind the Story: How Oliver the Owl Became a Pro
Behind the Story: How Oliver the Owl Became a Pro
Oliver the Owl didn't begin with an owl. He began with my Dad—a restaurant kitchen, 36 years of memories and a childhood surrounded by food. Read more...
I Didn't Plan to Become a Children's Author at 50
I Didn't Plan to Become a Children's Author at 50
Becoming a children's author wasn't part of my plan. Then I turned 50, put on a crown and started wondering what else I could do. Read more...
How Sonja Yantzer Became Rayna Jo Zest
How Sonja Yantzer Became Rayna Jo Zest
How did Sonja Yantzer become Rayna Jo Zest? It started with a crown, a rearrangement of letters and a pen name that became something much bigger. Read more...