Meet the Author

Karen Kipp

Karen Kipp lives in Jasper, Texas with her husband, two rescue dogs and two rescue cats. She majored in Animal Science at Texas A&M where she was an AQHA World Champion on the Horse Judging team. After a stint raising thoroughbred racehorses, she and her husband focused on raising their two children and running the family business. After 30 years as VP and HR Director, Karen has returned to her love of animals to write her first children’s picture book. Anxious Abner Counts His Whiskers is inspired by her grandchildren and her rescue cat, Abner.

Karen has been happily married to her high school sweetheart for 38 years. They have two children and six grandchildren. Karen, known as KK to the grandchildren, created the “counting whiskers” jingle while babysitting them. She hopes the jingle will help other children learn to self-regulate when experiencing big emotions.

Karen loves spending time with her growing family, traveling with her husband, and reading. She enjoys nature and being outdoors, especially anywhere around water. Animals have always held a special place in Karen’s heart.

Karen is excited to begin a new career as President of Kipp & Company, LLC. In her new role, Karen creates fun and educational stories drawing inspiration from the lessons she has learned from her numerous pets and the many wonderful creations of God.

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well” (Psalm 139:14, NIV).

kkipp.author@karenkipp.com

Meet Abner

The Anxious Abner character is based on a cat that was adopted by Kevin and Karen Kipp from Brazos Pets’ Alive in the Spring of 2013. He growled the entire three hour trip to Jasper and lived in his cat tower for two months before trusting his new parents enough to join them on the couch. Abner is believed to be 14 years old in 2026. He still hides under the bed when the vacuum comes out of the closet or he hears a voice that he doesn’t recognize.

Abner has taught us — The opposite of anxiety is not calm, it is trust. Quote credited to Michael John Carley.

Book Review

“Anxious Abner Counts His Whiskers is a heartfelt realistic-fiction children’s book that follows Anxious Abner, a timid cat adopted from the busy city streets into a loving country home. During scary times, he remembers how his mother comforted him with a simple grounding technique that helps him feel safe again."

“The story’s smooth readability allows young readers to move through the story with confidence while learning about a calming strategy, onomatopoeias, and how to make inferences from the text. More than just a teaching tool, this book is fun and engaging. Children can easily visualize Abner’s expressive actions, bringing his journey to life.”

“Anxious Abner Counts His Whiskers offers both learning and heart.”

Vanessa Phillips, M.Ed., is certified by the Texas State Board for Educator Certification in Office Education, Special Education, School Counseling, Mid-Management, and Superintendency, and has 33 years of experience as an educator across multiple levels in Texas public schools.