Somerton’s Kevin Patrick McCourt works as a live-in caregiver, a job he describes as stressful but one of the best jobs he’s ever had.
Earlier this year, looking for some side income, he founded McCourt Family Studios, a children’s book publishing company with a mission and commitment to spotlight children of all abilities to help make children’s literature more inclusive.
In March, he published, through Amazon, Billie with the Rainbow Tail: A story and lesson for dog safety. As author and illustrator, he used the name “Feeny McCourt,” in honor of his mom’s maiden name being Feeney.
“It was an homage to my late parents,” he said. “It was a way of keeping them alive.”
In total, he has published 24 books, including a few coloring and activity books designed to inspire creativity and imagination. He’s transitioned to using Kevin Patrick McCourt as his author name, with plans to make Feeny a character in future books. He’s also republished a book written 10 years ago by musician friend C.J. Mills called The Forgotten Christmas Presents.
That’s a lot of books in eight months, with plenty of more to come.
“I can’t stop thinking of new things,” McCourt said.
McCourt Family Studios is working to help create a world where every child can open a storybook and recognize someone like themselves. There could be a child with a cochlear implant, a prosthetic limb or a wheelchair discovering a character who looks just like them who isn’t defined by a disability but is accepted by others and even could be the hero of the story.
The books’ characters represent children of different backgrounds, personalities and abilities, with differences that are part of who they are, rather than the focus of their adventures.
“Readers really seem to connect,” McCourt said. “There’s lessons in those books.”
McCourt has always enjoyed writing. A Feltonville native who attended St. Ambrose, he was a sophomore at Cardinal Dougherty in 1988 when he wrote Jimmy Benz and the Magical Rock. That book is now among his growing collection of 24. One of his coming books is titled Dear Dad, Thanks: A Tribute.
“I’ve always enjoyed reading and writing,” he said. “My parents were always big with books.”
McCourt also illustrates the books, with help from AI. He’s taking an online course on drawing.
The books are available online through places such as Amazon, Kindle, Barnes & Noble, Walmart, Target and Books-A-Million. He’s donated some to the Ronald McDonald House.
McCourt promotes his books through social media. His Instagram page, @McCourtFamily.Studios, has about 26,400 followers. He has about 22,000 followers on TikTok and 6,000 on Facebook.
McCourt also distributes bookmarks with a QR code that can be scanned “to explore magical adventures.” He has Amazon Prime commercials and twice had mobile digital billboards outside Phillies games.
The character appearing most often in his books is rescue dog Billie, based on his 9-year-old Maltese. The dog promotes kindness, friendship and animal adoption.
“I’ve made her a celebrity,” he said.
Also appearing in the books is the dog’s owner.
“I have a strong resemblance to Billie’s dad,” he said.
Other main characters in the book are Jimmy Benz and Liam.
The bestseller has been My Name is Liam and My Dad is in Recovery, a compassionate book exploring family, recovery, understanding and hope. Pro wrestler Kurt Angle, who is in recovery, has made three videos promoting the book.
“I think it’s a good story,” McCourt said.
McCourt said he’s received positive feedback through Amazon reviews, Instagram comments and the popularity of the Little Free Library outside his house.
In general, he hears people say, “We like your books. Please keep doing it.”
And McCourt will keep doing it. He credits a dramatic weight loss and a healthier lifestyle with giving him the focus and confidence to establish the children’s book publishing company and be the writer and illustrator.
“I love it. It’s been a lot of fun,” he said. “I think they’re good books. It’s fun to do. I enjoy learning.” ••
Kevin Patrick McCourt’s books can be found by going to amazon.com and typing in “Kevin Patrick McCourt” or “Billie with the Rainbow Tail”.
For more information, visit https://www.instagram.com/mccourtfamily.studios/
