Abigail K. Lloyd: Co-Founder of Toadstool Books, Author of Four Works
Abigail K. Lloyd brings together the precision of a trained sculptor, the insight of a counselor, and the imagination of a storyteller to create work that resonates across multiple creative disciplines. As co-founder and illustrator at Toadstool Books, a children's publishing company in Fayetteville, Arkansas, she has built a practice centered on making literacy engaging and fun for young readers.
Since 2025, Lloyd has collaborated with her sister to bring imaginative stories such as Alphabet Hide and Seek and Bug Stew to life, developing new projects that blend her skills in illustration, book design, and project management. Her approach to children's literature reflects both artistry and a deep understanding of the publishing process, creating books that are visually compelling and educationally meaningful.
Beyond her work in children's publishing, she has established herself as an accomplished author with a diverse literary portfolio. Her published works include the novel Limbo and three poetry collections: A Deception Garden, LIMINAL, and Eulogies; in Legacy, Starting. She continues to expand her literary reach through broader distribution efforts, including IngramSpark and hardback editions with custom book jackets. Her storytelling explores themes of family dynamics, personal growth, and the human experience, drawing on her combined background in art and counseling to create works that are both visually and emotionally resonant.
Lloyd's creative foundation began at the University of Arkansas, where she earned a BFA in Art Education with a concentration in sculpture and painting. She later pursued a Master's in Professional Counseling at Amridge University, a combination that informs both her creative practice and her approach to working with young readers and writers. "I attribute my success to a combination of my educational background and a commitment to continuous learning," she says, noting how her degree in Art Education helped her develop creativity and discipline, while her master's in Counseling deepened her understanding of people and enhanced her communication skills.
She maintains active memberships in both the National Oil Painting Society and the American Counseling Association, connecting with professionals across her diverse fields of practice. Her commitment extends beyond her creative work into community service through involvement with Atlanta Inner City Ministry, Intersection in Northwest Arkansas, and the Cave of Adullam. As she explains, "The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are service, community, and making a meaningful impact."
Inspired by her family's history in education and mentorship from influential teachers, her work reflects a lifelong commitment to creativity, learning, and making literature accessible to audiences of all ages. Her multidisciplinary approach positions her as an artist who understands that the most powerful stories engage both the eye and the heart.
