Julia Shaw
Julia Shaw is the author of The Wumpus Books, a series of gentle, emotionally attuned picture books for young children and the grown-ups who love them.
Soft watercolor stories for little Wumpus moments: frustration, wildness, overwhelm, and the big feelings still to come.
Books are available for sale and delivery locally in Bozeman,
or online at Ingram and Amazon.
The Wumpus Books
The Grumpy Wumpus
Available nowA rhyming picture book about frustration, big feelings, and finding your way back.“A simple, read-aloud story about what it feels like to be inside a big mood—and what it looks like, from the outside, to stay close while someone is in it.” —Lively Times“A fun book that gives children the tools to express big feelings.” —KBZK
The Wild Wumpus
A warm, joyful picture book about excitement, wildness, and feelings that get a little too big.
A Tiny Wumpus
Coming September 2026A quiet book about overwhelm and fear, for sensitive children with big feelings.
My Mommy is a Wumpus
Coming December 2026For families moving through a difficult season—illness, grief, depression, or everyday life that has become too much.
With more Wumpuses on their way...
Shelby is a sheepdog. There’s just one problem: She is afraid of sheep.Shelby the Sheepish Sheepdog is a soft, reassuring picture book about fear, courage, and finding your own way to be brave.Perfect for ages 3–7, this sweet read-aloud story is ideal for children who love animal stories, gentle humor, and books about bravery, big feelings, and being different.With soft illustrations and a comforting message, Shelby the Sheepish Sheepdog will be loved by preschool and early elementary readers, useful for bedtime read-alouds, classroom story times, and any child who needs a gentle reminder that courage can look quiet, kind, and a little bit sheepish.
For Bookstores, Libraries & Schools
The Grumpy Wumpus is available to bookstores and libraries through Ingram. Julia is available for local storytimes, preschool visits, podcast interviews, and community events in the Bozeman area.
Ordering info: Available through Ingram
Age range: 2–6
Series: The Wumpus Books
Contact: [email protected]
Events & Appearances
Upcoming Wumpus appearances
A Wild Wumpus Rumpus
Join us June 20th from 10am - 2pm at Story Mill Park in Bozeman for some low-key family fun. Bubbles, books, face paint, and possibly a musical performance...
Emerson Art Walks in Bozeman
The Wumpus will be at the Emerson Center during the Art Walks on June 12th, July 11th, and September 11thStop by the booth, where I will be making Wumpus Watercolor sketches!
More storytimes, school visits, and community events coming soon.
Press & Features
“Destined to become a child’s favorite story.”—Terri Stepek, Reader Views
Explore Big Sky — “Local author embraces the Wumpus in us all”
Lively Times — “Montana author Julia Shaw releases Grumpy Wumpus picture book”
KBZK / Montana This Morning — “Big Feelings and The Grumpy Wumpus”
Bozeman Magazine — “On Being a Good Mom Even When You Lose It”
About the Author
Hi! I’m the Wumpus lady and I write little stories about big feelings.I live in Montana with my husband, our two daughters, our dog, and our cat.I'm a former Associate Editor for Penguin Random House, and I continue to proofread books professionally as a freelancer. I'm originally from the East Coast, and graduated from Georgetown University and Phillips Exeter Academy.When I'm not writing or promoting The Wumpus Books, I can usually be found knitting, gardening, reading, or crafting.I am a cancer survivor and chronic pain sufferer, and my writing for adult readers can be found on Substack @JuliaShawWrites