Julie Coen has wanted to write a children’s book for as long as she can remember. As a lifelong animal lover with a career in animal care, she knew her personal and professional experiences would shape her story. During her time as a zookeeper, she cared for a goat named Ferdinand and formed a special bond with him unlike any she had experienced with another animal. The comfort he provided her and the joy he brought to everyone he met helped inspire this book.
Julie lives in Boston, Massachusetts, with her sweet dog, Sugar, who has been by her side through each step of the writing process. In her free time, she enjoys skiing and spending summers on Cape Cod with her friends and family. She also likes finding new ways to express her creativity, such as crafting, drawing, or recreating social media trends with Sugar. She looks forward to group exercise classes each week, including yoga with the occasional goat in attendance!
Q: What inspired the idea behind your book?
A: Ferdinand’s character is inspired by a goat named Ferdinand I worked with during my time as a zookeeper. I always knew I wanted to write a children’s book, and once I met Ferdinand, I knew my time with him would influence my story someday. A few years later, I went to a goat yoga class and really enjoyed myself. I think the human-animal bond is very unique, and spending time with animals can provide relief in many ways, as I was reminded during the class. I hoped to tie my time with Ferdinand and my experience at the yoga class together in a fun way for children to enjoy.
Q: As an author, what tips would you give anyone who wants to get into writing?
A: I’d suggest drawing on personal experiences to get started. This creates a natural way for the writing to start flowing. Then let the creativity take off from there!
Q: What is your favorite book?
A: As a child, I always loved The Rainbow Fish and the If You Give a Mouse a Cookie series.
Q: Was your main character modeled after anyone in your life?
A: Yes! Ferdinand’s character is inspired by a goat named Ferdinand I worked with during my time as a zookeeper. I connected with him in a way I hadn’t before with another animal. I looked forward to working with him each day, and at times I felt like he could sense when I was down and needed a laugh!
Q: What is your favorite part of the writing process?
A: My favorite part has been seeing this story come to life! I enjoyed working with the illustrator and felt like this was when my creativity really took off.
Q: Do you believe that being a “good writer” is a developed skill or a natural talent?
A: I’d say this is a combination of both!
Q: Do you have a favorite book, poem, TV, or movie quote?
A: “Just keep swimming!” —Dory in Finding Nemo
Q: Would you write another book (or are you already writing another book)?
A: I could definitely see myself writing another book someday—possibly a spin-off with Ferdinand “finding” something else, or a book about a different animal, like my dog, Sugar!
Q: Is there an author you look up to, and why?
A: There isn’t a specific author who comes to mind for this question.
Q: If there were an apocalypse and you could only take five books into your doomsday bunker, what would they be?
A:
- The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister
- If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff
- Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans
- Gingerbread Baby by Jan Brett
- Ferdinand Finds Balance (by me!)
Learn more about Julie Coen and her debut children's book, Ferdinand Finds Balance, here. Coming soon October 20th, 2026!