Carolyn Mueller was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri. Growing up an animal lover, she treasured her English Setter, found plenty of box turtles in the backyard and mourned a hamster or two. Naturally, the majority of her birthday parties were spent watching the animals at the Saint Louis Zoo.
Carolyn believes her left brain to be completely nonfunctional, and so despite a passion for animals, spent her college years studying art and writing. In 2009, Carolyn graduated from DePauw University with a B.A. in Creative Writing.
By happy accident, post-graduation, Carolyn was given the opportunity to become a Keeper in the Children's Zoo. She fell in love with the daily routine of caring for the Zoo's animals and working full-time for an organization that strives toward the conservation of endangered species as well as excellent standards of animal care.
Training sloths, porcupines, macaws and other furred and feathered creatures for shows in the Children's Zoo helped Carolyn to understand the idiosyncrasies of each individual and species. She firmly believes that every animal has its own special story.
From this belief, Bubbles the Dwarf Zebu, her first children's book, was born. Bubbles the Dwarf Zebu was published by Reedy Press in 2012.
Carolyn's other works include Lily: A True Story of Courage and the Joplin Tornado, inspired by Tara Prosser and her Weimaraner, Lily, and Happy Birthday, St. Louis!, a history of St. Louis for kids. These exciting stories were published by Reedy Press in the Spring of 2014.
Dizzy Dean and the Gashouse Gang, which recounts the harrowing adventures of the 1934 St. Louis Cardinals, and St. Louis Boo, true St. Louis ghost stories for kids, were released in the Fall of 2015. Missouri Almanac 2018-19 was published in 2018 as a collaboration with a team of Missouri authors. The Almanac is weird, wild, and filled with fun, delivering the ultimate tour of the Show-Me-State.
Carolyn’s latest book, Forest Park: A Walk Through History is her first work written for adults and includes unique walking tours to guide your journey through Forest Park.
Carolyn continues to balance her passions for zookeeping and writing. She enjoys working with lions, tigers, bears and more in her current position as a Carnivore Keeper and sharing her stories in (and about) the city of St. Louis.