BORDENTOWN TOWNSHIP, NJ — A Bordentown author and illustrator will be celebrating the upcoming release of his third children's book at an event at a popular area brewery this weekend.
Joseph Johnson, writer of The Dragon Who Extinguished the Stars, will be holding a family-friendly book release and signing on Sunday, July 13 from 1PM to 4PM at Bent Iron Brewing Co., located at 70 Extonville Road in Hamilton.
Johnson, who moved to Bordentown Township 16 years ago from Monmouth Junction, says that he has always had a passion for drawing, writing and making music, but never fully pursued those avenues as a career until recently, when he created The Endulous LLC in 2023 and launched his first two books in 2024.
“Reading to our girls before bedtime has always been part of our routine, so it was no surprise when I finally decided to start a business, it would involve creating children's books and stories,” Johnson told TAPinto Bordentown. “I created The Endulous LLC in 2023, named after the way we end our stories at home. We used to say 'the end,' but making it silly and goofy is kind of my thing.”
Johnson released his first two books, Hustle B. Bustle Bee and Tinkle, Tinkle In the Potty!, which he both wrote and illustrated, last year. The books highlight his love for rhyming and storytelling and inject humor into everyday situations, whether it's about our busy lives or potty training journeys.
His upcoming book, The Dragon Who Extinguished the Stars, is especially meaningful to him and his family.
“In 2016, we welcomed our firstborn son into the world and tragically lost him after 12 days in the NICU,” said Johnson. “I created this fable to honor and continue his story, as well as provide a platform to talk about grief and loss, which is shared by us all. It was extremely cathartic making this book, and I hope it can be a tool for others when they feel lost.”
Johnson says he and his family enjoy calling Bordentown home thanks to the area's local farms, history and downtown area. “It was a pleasant surprise and offered the perfect area for us to nuture some amazing friendships, grow our family, and create some impactful memories throughout the years," he said. He has also had the opportunity to read to children at local schools and daycares, which he calls one of his “favorite things about self-publishing.”
While Johnson works full-time outside of writing and illustrating, he hopes to someday make self-publishing his only focus, perhaps in retirement. Until that time comes, he writes constantly, using his children as a source of inspiration.
“Having kids that are amazing also fuels the content engine in my brain, so I am just getting started!”
For more details about Johnson's three books — Hustle B. Bustle Bee, Tinkle, Tinkle In the Potty! and The Dragon Who Extinguished the Stars — visit www.TheEndulous.com. Books can be purchased on his website, where they can be shipped or delivered locally by Johnson.
For more information about pop-events or local fairs that Johnson will be attending and selling his books, follow The Endulous LLC on Facebook HERE. Those interested in scheduling Johnson to read to local children and talk about how books are made should e-mail him at [email protected].