Why Thistle Fox? The Story Behind the Name (and the Cozy Creators Who Bring It to Life)

At Thistle Fox Books, stories aren't just printed on pages—they're stitched with meaning, memory, and magic. And just like every story needs a title, our bookshop needed a name that felt right. Something a little wild, a little wise, and full of heart.

Why "Thistle Fox"?

The name grew out of the world we wanted to create. "Thistle" is for the hardy beauty that grows in unexpected places—resilient, slightly whimsical, and often overlooked. "Fox" is for cleverness, curiosity, and quiet wonder. Together, they became a symbol of the handmade magic we hope our books carry: cozy, clever, and a little bit wild.

But Thistle Fox isn’t just a name on a spine. It’s a creative home shared by three unique author voices, each bringing their own style, spirit, and stories to life. And behind the scenes? A small team of artists, editors, animal lovers, and storytellers who help it all come together—usually between tea breaks and tail wags.

So today, we thought we’d pull back the curtain just a bit and introduce you to the creative hearts of our little forest press… in the most Thistle Fox way possible.

Meet the Authors (and Their Felted Fox Alter Egos!)

Yes, it’s true. Each of our authors now has a whimsical felted fox alter ego to match their personality and genre. Why? Because in a world of cozy critters and storybook magic, why wouldn’t our authors be foxes too?

🥝 Chelsea Torres

Fox Alter Ego: Maple Fox

Bright-eyed, creative, and always on the move — Maple Fox carries a little vet bag, a trusty crayon, and never goes anywhere without her dachshund sidekick.

Chelsea is the heart behind our Dachshund Coloring Adventures — joyful, screen-free books that celebrate imagination, animals, and coloring outside the lines (literally). Inspired by her pup Milo and her dream of becoming a veterinarian, Chelsea’s work is packed with playful learning, wagging tails, and big-hearted fun.

🧶 Poppy Loxley

Fox Alter Ego: Thistle Fox

Wrapped in a cozy patchwork shawl, with pinecones in her pocket and stories in her satchel, Thistle Fox wanders the woods gathering wonder.

Poppy is the beloved author of the Cozy Critter Chronicles, known for gentle rhymes, handmade textures, and forest magic. A retired teacher and proud grandmother, she writes stories that feel like warm mittens on a snowy day — soft, nostalgic, and full of quiet joy. (She’s also a lifelong dachshund devotee.)

🌋 Anwyn Brooks

Fox Alter Ego: Wren Fox

Shrouded in mist and mystery, Wren Fox travels by lantern light, her nose always in a weathered book, her moth companion never far behind.

Anwyn pens the Tales of Magic & Shadow, a series of lyrical YA novels steeped in folklore, moonlight, and forgotten rooms. From the stormy shores of the Pacific Northwest, she crafts haunting, slow-burn fantasies filled with hidden doors and echoing secrets. (The other foxes are still trying to get her to adopt a dachshund. We’ll keep you posted.)

The Team Behind the Tails

From left to right - Emily, Sophie & Rachel.

While our authors are the stars of the story, a few other friendly foxes help things run behind the scenes: with design, custom videos, cozy coloring pages, and social media magic. We're a small team of moms, makers, and animal lovers who care deeply about stories that spark connection. Every book, video, and printable is crafted with intention, curiosity, and joy.

What Thistle Fox Means to Us

We asked each author to share what "Thistle Fox" means to them:

Chelsea (Maple Fox): 

"To me, Thistle Fox is playful and kind. It's where silly ideas and heartfelt stories live together."

Poppy (Thistle Fox): 

"It’s a place of warmth and wonder—where handmade magic still matters.

Anwyn (Wren Fox): 

"Thistle Fox feels like a candle flickering in a misty window—gentle, imaginative, and a little haunted. In the best way."

And to our readers? 

We hope it means you’ve found a cozy corner of the world where books still feel handmade, and every story feels like a little gift.

Thanks for being part of the journey. We can’t wait to share what comes next.

With warmth,

— The Thistle Fox Books Family