About the Authors

Hi, we’re Emaline Maze and PopPop Maze.

We are the creators of the Crabapple Creek Adventures series, including SlackJaw and the Grubbins.

Crabapple Creek was built from our shared love of storytelling, family, and the quiet lessons found in everyday life. Together, we create stories that reflect humor, kindness, and the importance of listening to one another.

Emaline and PopPop work side by side on every part of the creative process, from shaping the stories and characters to refining the themes that run through Crabapple Creek. Their collaboration blends imagination, lived experience, and a shared love of storytelling, resulting in stories that feel both playful and grounded. Many of the themes throughout Crabapple Creek are inspired by our family life and the conversations that happen when generations slow down and truly connect.

We write for children because we believe stories should make kids laugh, feel seen, and walk away with something meaningful. Whether that is courage, empathy, or confidence in their own ideas, our goal is to leave young readers better than we found them.

When we visit schools, we bring Crabapple Creek to life through interactive storytelling, character moments, and behind-the-scenes insight into how a book is created, showing students that stories are built through collaboration, creativity, and curiosity.

Thanks for being here, and welcome to the creek.