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A heartwarming children’s book series that blends storytelling, kid-friendly recipes, and creative kitchen crafts.
The Oliver the Owl books are designed to spark imagination, build confidence, and bring families together through hands-on fun and meaningful moments.
THE STORY BEFORE THE STORIES
Long before there was a Twinkling Treehouse Cafe, there was the White House Cafeteria in Bismarck, North Dakota. My parents, Ken and Joan Weber, spent decades building a life around food, family, hard work, and the people who gathered around their tables.
I didn't know it then, but those ordinary days would eventually become part of something new. Years later, pieces of that life found their way into Oliver's world reimagined with feathers, a little whimsy and plenty of heart.
READ
Whimsical stories created for sharing
Recipes, activities, coloring & hands on fun
Ideas that encourage curiosity & confidence
Little moments made for kids & grown-ups
Four books. One curious little owl. Lots of reasons to gather around the kitchen.
The Oliver the Owl series invites curious little readers into a world of storytelling, creativity, cooking, and hands-on discovery. Created by North Dakota author Rayna Jo Zest, the series includes storybooks, kid-friendly recipes, activities, puzzles, and imaginative adventures inspired in part by Rayna's own family memories and North Dakota restaurant legacy.
Oliver's adventures are created for young readers and families, with recommended ages varying by title. From family read-alouds and beginner kitchen adventures to coloring, puzzles, and independent activities, there's something in Oliver's world for different ages and stages.
Some do! Oliver's books often include little interactive surprises that invite readers to look a little closer. In Oliver the Owl: The Culinary Pro, for example, children can search for a hidden butterfly throughout the story, adding another layer of fun to reading together.
Every Oliver adventure begins with a little curiosity and usually leads somewhere unexpected.
Absolutely! Recipes featured in Oliver's cookbook-storybooks are designed to be approachable and fun, giving children opportunities to participate in the kitchen alongside a grown-up. They're less about culinary perfection and more about learning, creating, and making memories together
It depends on the adventure! Across Oliver's world, little readers can discover recipes, crafts, coloring pages, puzzles, drawing prompts, seek-and-find surprises, early learning activities, and more. Each title offers its own mix of storytelling and hands-on fun.
Absolutely! I love seeing Oliver’s adventures come to life beyond the books. Families can share photos of recipes they’ve made, creative projects, and other Oliver-inspired fun for a chance to be featured and connect with the Oliver community using #OliversWisdom.
A little reading. A little making. And permission to make a perfectly wonderful mess.
Oliver's world still has plenty of room for new adventures! Follow along with Rayna Jo Zest and Zestful Productions for book news, behind-the-scenes peeks, and whatever Oliver gets into next.
Follow Rayna Jo Zest on Amazon!
Yes. Retailers, libraries, gift shops, and other organizations interested in carrying Oliver the Owl books can get in touch to learn more about wholesale and bulk-order opportunities. Contact us.
However Oliver finds his way to your bookshelf, I hope he becomes part of memories made.
A VERY SPECIAL NOMINATION
Oliver the Owl: The Culinary Pro has been nominated to represent North Dakota in the 2027 Great Reads from Great Places program.
A North Dakota story headed to Washington. Oliver the Owl: The Culinary Pro has been nominated to represent North Dakota at the Library of Congress' National Book Festival in Washington, D.C. The honor celebrates books that reflect the literary heritage of their state—and for Oliver, it's a nomination rooted in family, food, storytelling, and home.
FROM THE AUTHOR
What began as a little idea inspired by family has grown into books, activities, and author events I could have never predicted when I created Oliver.
I'm Rayna Jo Zest, the author behind Oliver the Owl and I'm so glad you've found your way into his world.
A Note From Rayna
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...
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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...
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Three books with my name on them should have been enough proof. Somehow, part of me was still waiting for someone to announce I...
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