Farmer Abe is a children’s book author from Rock Hall whose stories are rooted in real life, rich with heart, and built around one simple but powerful message: choose love.

Drawing from his childhood growing up on farms in South America, Canada, and Montana alongside eleven siblings, Keys brings authentic agricultural experiences to life through imaginative animal stories that explore acceptance, compassion, and purpose. Each of his books features relationships not normally found in nature, using them as gentle metaphors to teach children—and adults alike—that love does not depend on sameness.

His debut children’s book introduced readers to Don-key, a hen who finds new purpose by caring for duck eggs and later loving the ducklings as her own. What begins as an unusual farm moment becomes a profound lesson: if a chicken can learn to love something so different, so can we. That theme continued in his second book, Moo Moo the Dog Adopts a Baby Pig, published in December 2023, which explores acceptance on an even broader scale.

Keys’ third book, Kitty the Goat and the Puppy, is the next installment in what will be a five-book series. The story follows Kitty, a retired prize goat who struggles with depression and mischief after leaving the spotlight. Kitty’s life changes when he is given the responsibility of raising a puppy, helping him rediscover purpose and joy. Once again, Farmer Abe learns that love—when chosen intentionally—has the power to heal both the giver and the receiver. The book has experienced a brief shipping delay, but Keys is hopeful for an Easter release.

Writing with no expectations, Keys was quickly overwhelmed by the response to his first book. Within weeks of publishing, schools were lining up to purchase hundreds of copies, and to date he has sold an estimated 3,000–4,000 books. His work has found a special place in classrooms, where educators embrace the stories’ focus on empathy, inclusion, and kindness.

Encouraged by friends to try his hand at writing, Keys discovered a unique niche by pairing children’s literature with agriculture and meaningful life lessons. Collaborating with local artists, he has built a growing body of work that feels both timeless and deeply personal.

His success has continued to gain momentum. Keys has been featured in four newspapers, including publications in Montana—his birthplace—and Canada, as well as on television broadcasts in Salisbury, Maryland. He has also been invited to read and speak at several local schools. While ideas continue to flow, Keys remains focused on completing the five-book series. The fourth book will continue the animal-centered theme, and the final installment will reflect on Farmer Abe’s past with a very special horse.

Inspired by fellow children’s authors such as Jay Miletsky, Keys is actively honing his craft and preparing to attend his first writers summit in Nashville, Tennessee, where he will connect with other authors, pitch new ideas, and learn from industry professionals.

Reflecting on his journey so far, Keys sums up the heart of his work best: when given the chance, always choose love—because you never know how the love you give might change your life forever.