Emily Owens, a senior early childhood education major from Columbia, Tenn., is currently enjoying the success of her first children’s book, “Kaitlyn Rabbit.” The book was published on Amazon in early December.

“I started writing a long time ago, probably 10 years ago,” Owens said. “I’ve written over a hundred little poems and stories over the years but only six or seven complete books.”

Owens said that “Kaitlyn Rabbit” was written as a gift for a friend named Kaitlyn.

“We’re both in Pied Pipers, and we were Piper Pals,” Owens said. “So I started the book at the beginning of last semester and gave it to her in December.”

“Kaitlyn Rabbit” is the story of a friendly rabbit and her woodland friends who learn the joy of giving without expecting anything in return.

The book was illustrated by Owens’ sister, Marcy Yoder, a 2012 Harding graduate who is currently pursuing a career as a freelance artist and illustrator.

“Emily and I have a lot of creative chemistry,” Yoder said. “When she writes a story, I can picture things. We just have that kind of synergy.”

Owens said she never intended the book to be anything more than a present for her friend.

“We were only intending to make one as a gift, and it was easiest for us to just put it on Amazon,” Owens said. “We were shocked that so many people were actually interested in buying it.”

When asked about future plans, Owens said that she’s definitely planning on writing another book, though it’s not yet ready to be revealed.

“I definitely want to keep writing, and I hope to be legitimately published one day,” Owens said.

A copy of “Kaitlyn Rabbit” can be read at Midnight Oil, and it can be purchased on Amazon.