A photo of Kirsten Nelson Telan smiling and holding a sparkler against a pink and purple confetti background with the text 'Hi! I'm Kirsten, and I am a children's author.'

A Tale of Two Dogs

A children’s book about friendship, faith, and how our differences make us stronger.

Get your copy here
The Christlit Book Award 2026 for A Tale of Two Dogs by Kirsten Nelson Telan

Exciting News!!

I was humbled to be awarded the Christlit Book Award in March 2026. This program acknowledges and honors “remarkable authors who skillfully integrate themes of faith into their literary creations.” Thank you for all of the support!

  • As a teacher, A Tale of Two Dogs offers a powerful and accessible story that fosters important social-emotional learning in young scholars. The book uses the simple, relatable friendship between two very different dogs- Mochi and Murphy- to model empathy, respect, and the value of diversity — key lessons that align with character education and classroom community goals. Our entire class loved it and read it over and over again!

    Shaye Heiskell

  • If you have young children or are an elementary school teacher, this book is for you! It is engaging, colorful, and beautifully incorporates a love for animals, friendship, and captivating illustrations! It will foster a love for reading with its large, easy to read font and adorable pups, Mochi and Murphy. As a former kindergarten teacher, I highly recommend!

    Jamie Schulte

  • "Your children's book is coming along beautifully! I love the illustrations... highly colorful and fun... but even without text, the personalities of your two engaging pups seem to be emerging. A Tale of Two Dogs... sounds charming!"

    Squire Rushnell
    Bestselling author of The God Wink Series

  • "A Tale of Two Dogs reminds us that true friendship is a gift that should be valued, protected and nourished. Mochi and Murphy teach us this at a time when our world needs it the most! Greatly anticipating this relevant, creative, and inspiring children's book."

    Heather Sharp

  • "Kirsten Nelson Telan is a faith-based children's book author who embraces a growth mindset, believing that stepping beyond your comfort zone is essential for personal development. Kirsten has booked modeling work for the Home Shopping Network and appeared in several television commercials! She is also the creator of the popular blog The Confetti Effect, where she shares inspiring articles on faith, growth mindset, creativity, and more. In her free time, Kirsten enjoys reading, writing, hiking, and traveling - just to name a few."

    The Maile Image Modeling & Acting School

  • "Love Mochi and Murphy already. My two favorite dogs. Can't wait to read about their adventures. Such beautiful little souls. This is going to be a touching and heartwarming story."

    Heather Anthrop

  • "Working with Kirsten to create A Tale of Two Dogs was truly a Godsend! Her unique insight and creative vision helped guide me to showcase her dogs' very special bond as I illustrated each page for this sweet book... which was an honor! A whole lot of love went into its creation, which we now would like to share with you :)!"

    -Maggie Flavhan
    Illustrator of A Tale of Two Dogs

Learn more

YouVersion Bible App Plan

My Bible Plan, Sprinkle of Confetti Devotional, is now available in the Bible App and YouVersion Connect.

This is a 10-day family plan that helps children and parents discover the Fruit of the Spirit in simple, joyful ways. Each day features a short devotional, scripture, family activity, and prayer designed for kids ages 3–6 and their families. Through love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, families can grow together in God’s truth while making faith fun and memorable.

Sample or Start the Plan Here

Media Appearances

  • The Mike Wagner Show Podcast Thumbnail

    Orlando-based children’s author Kirsten Telan is my very special guest with “A Tale of Two Dogs” !

    Listen Here
  • Kingdom Cross Roads Podcast Thumbnail

    From Fear to Submit with Kirsten Telan

    Listen Here
  • Gen X Juggler Podcast Thumbnail

    33. "Spreading Kindness and Writing from the Heart" with Kirsten Telan

    Watch Here
  • Heart to Heart with Abagaba Podcast Thumbnail

    The Confetti Effect: Spreading Kindness with Kirsten Telan

    Listen Here
  • Front Parking Spot with Jennifer Bosma Podcast thumbnail

    106-The Confetti Effect: Small Acts of Kindness for Busy Moms with Kirsten Telan

    Listen Here
  • Practical Faith Academy Podcast Cecil Taylor ministries logo

    Practical Faith Academy - Season 5, Episode 14 - Kirsten Telan, Sprinkling Kindness Like Confetti

    Listen Here
  • Authors on mission podcast with Danielle Hutchinson thumbnail

    How Kirsten Telan Turned Two Dogs, Faith, and “God Winks” into a Children’s Book Journey

    Listen Here

Download free coloring pages & devotionals

Stickers

Sticker of a happy puppy pug wearing a birthday hat, sitting among colorful presents and balloons, with a festive birthday party background. The label reads "A Tale of Two Dogs Murphy."
A colorful watercolor sticker with a pink heart at the center, surrounded by the Fruit of the Spirit, 'Love is kindness, joy, peace, patience, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.'
Sticker of two happy dogs, Murphy the pug and Mochi the Shiba Inu, one holding a red heart, with the text "A Tale of Two Dogs" above them, set against a bright yellow background.
Pink sticker with the quote 'spread kindness like confetti' in black and purple script, scattered colorful confetti and star-shaped accents.
Sticker of a smiling shiba inu dog with tongue out, standing in front of a scenic background with pink cherry blossom trees, mountains, a colorful sunset, a lake, and playful toys, with text reading 'Mochi' and 'A Tale of Two Dogs'.

Finger Puppets

Available at select book signings, boutique shops, and special events –– stay connected on social media for updates!

Felt finger puppet of Mochi the Shiba Inu from the children's book 'A Tale of Two Dogs' by Kirsten Nelson Telan.
Two god felt finger puppets of Murphy the pug and Mochi the Shiba Inu from the children's book 'A Tale of Two Dogs' by Kirsten Nelson Telan.
Felt finger puppet of Murphy the pug from the children's book 'A Tale of Two Dogs' by Kirsten Nelson Telan.
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Let’s Stay Connected 🩷

Follow along on Instagram for everyday inspiration, travel snapshots, confetti moments, and a peek behind the scenes.

✨ Meet the Illustrator ✨
Behind every great children’s book is a talented artist bringing the story to life — and I’m so grateful that for A Tale of Two Dogs, that artist was my dear friend, @maggieflavor !🎨🐾 From her painting ma
Let’s sprinkle a little joy like confetti today! ✨ This post is part of my Sprinkles of Confetti devotional series — created to help young hearts grow in the fruit of the Spirit one joyful step at a time. Today’s focus is JOY &mda
Sneak peek! 🐾🤫 
Say hello to the adorable finger puppets inspired by Mochi & Murphy — the stars of A Tale of Two Dogs! 💕 These little keepsakes bring the story to life and will be available soon at select boutique shops, book signings,
Before there was a book… there was a notebook. 💛🐾 I wrote A Tale of Two Dogs during the quiet days of Covid, then tucked it away on a shelf — not realizing how much joy it would eventually bring. A few years later, I stumbled across m
This is how A Tale of Two Dogs begins — with color, excitement, and the joyful arrival of two pups who couldn’t be more different… and yet, they become the best of friends. 💗 Mochi the Shiba Inu and Murphy the Pug are about to ta
Feeling all the love from The Heathers today! 💕 
Two special women in my life — my sister-in-love and my sister — both shared their thoughts on A Tale of Two Dogs, and I just had to feature them together. 🐾✨ Their encouragement means t
Did you ever realize that God spelled backwards is Dog? 🐶✨ It’s something I wrote about in one of my favorite blog posts, and the more I sit with it, the more I believe it’s true. Dogs teach us the simplest — and deepest —
Let’s sprinkle a little love like confetti today. 💕 This post is part of my Sprinkles of Confetti devotional series — created to help young hearts grow in the fruit of the Spirit one joyful step at a time. Today’s focus is LOVE &