From Bassoon to Bookshelves: Dr. Leia Barrett’s Journey from Arts Education to Award-Winning Children’s Books

Dr. Leia Barrett

Dr. Leia Barrett has always followed the story — first through music, and now through the pages of children’s books. 

Her journey to becoming a children’s book author is rooted in a lifelong commitment to arts access, education, and listening to the communities she serves.  

A classically trained bassoonist, Barrett began her career as the Director of Education for the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, where her programs reached thousands of children each year.  

Listening closely to teachers and families, she saw firsthand where traditional approaches fell short and eventually realized that her creativity could help meet those needs. 

As she developed story-centered concerts for young audiences, Barrett realized there was a shortage of literature designed specifically for those experiences. That realization led her to independent publishing and, eventually, her first children’s book.  

Like many creators, she embraced the unknown with an open mind.  

“Everybody in independent publishing says your first book is your learning book,” she said. 

After returning to Kansas City and stepping into nonprofit leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, Barrett continued to nurture her long-term vision: building a mission-driven publishing business.  

Her second book, The Odd Dog, is deeply personal. Inspired by the rescue dog she adopted for her 40th birthday, the story grew from curiosity and compassion.  

“I adopted my quirky little stray who inspired The Odd Dog,” Barrett explains. “And that story really came out of just wondering ‘what was her life like?’ Because she had such a mysterious background.” 

The book evolved through multiple drafts and conversations with readers.  

“The Odd Dog went through three or four evolutions,” she said. “And the fourth one was the one we knew was right — because everybody said, ‘This reminds me of my dog.’ And that’s the sentimentality I wanted with the book.” 

With support from an ARTcap microloan, Barrett expanded marketing and fundraising efforts, helping The Odd Dog reach more families while supporting animal shelters and rescues.  

The Odd Dog was recently named a 2025 Kirkus Indie Book of the Year, which is “a huge honor,” Barrett said, noting that the book reviewing organization receives thousands of submissions each year. 

“Barrett’s prose remains light and comical even while addressing profound themes of love, acceptance, and adoption,” Kirkus’ review reads. “The interplay between the text and illustrations draws out the best in both, resulting in a well-rounded story that is also a delight for the eyes.” 

Today, Barrett’s work blends storytelling with advocacy — proof that creativity, when paired with care and community, can make a lasting impact.  

Barrett and co-founder Jessie Davis also recently launched the Dog Mom Club, which creates fresh-baked, human-grade dog treats and offers dog gifts and support for dog owners.  

The two were also finalists for the 2025 AltCap Your Biz Pitch Competition and were joined on stage by their four-legged assistant, Lucy.

The Odd Dog, written by Leia Barrett and illustrated by Shannon McKeon, follows a quirky rescue dog learning to live with a family for the first time.