Alli Dunlop

Alli is a children’s book author-illustrator, mom of four, and a veterinarian. She lives in Hartland, WI with her husband Drew. They are turning a 7-acre property into a hobby farm named Little Willow Farmette. With two dogs, two rats, a tortoise named Hustle, and four very lively daughters (Avery, Hayden, Noa, and Ryleigh), their home is never short on adventure—or noise!

Growing up surrounded by animals and having a grandfather who was a vet, inspired Alli to become a vet as well. For over a decade, she's helped pets and their people live their best lives through a blend of traditional and integrative care. She spends her days healing animals and her evenings writing and illustrating. For years, her dog Gunner was her rock, confidant, and constant source of unconditional love through moments of doubt and anxiety. Inspired by him, she wrote her first manuscript, The Dog That Keeps Your Secrets, a heartfelt children’s story about the incredible bond between kids who feel different—like they don’t quite fit in—and the pets who love them just as they are. 

She decided to illustrate the book herself, even though she hadn’t attempted to draw anything since high school. Now, her nights are filled with YouTube tutorials and my digital sketchbook, proving it’s never too late to learn something new.