Natalie Soto Peterson
Artist. Author. Storyteller. Slightly Unhinged Optimist.
Hi, there! I’m Natalie - a Texas based artist, children’s book author, mom of four, and professional believer in imagination, humor, and doing things just a little differently.
I make whimsical art, write silly children’s books, and have finally decided that it was time to show up in the world exactly as myself. Colorful, curious, and unapologetically creative.
If you’re here, you probably love creativity, stories, and people who don’t fit neatly in boxes. You’re in the right place!
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What I Do
Create original art & illustrations
Write and share children’s books
Visit schools, libraries, and classrooms for readings
Encourage kids (and adults) to embrace imagination and self-expression
A Little Bit Whimsical. A little Bit Bold.
I believe creativity is a life skill, not a luxury. My work is playful, funny, and heartfelt, with just enough edge to keep things interesting.
“You’ll miss the best things if you keep your eyes shut.” - Dr Seuss
Hello! I’m Natalie.
I’m a 39 year old artist living in a small Texas town with my husband, our four kids, two cats, and one pup. I’ve always been creative - drawing, baking, making things, telling stories; but for a long time, my ideas lived in my head instead of in the world.
(Undiagnosed ADHD will do that!)
Eventually, I decided to stop waiting for permission. I opened a tiny art studio in our beautiful little town. I wrote, illustrated, and self-published my first children’s book. I started dressing and expressing myself the way I actually wanted to, not what was expected of me. And I stopped worrying so much about what people think.
Now, I create work that feels honest, playful, and a little weird. Because that’s where the magic is.
My dream? To be a modern, female, slightly feral Dr. Seuss - creating worlds kids love and adults secretly need.
Books
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Books *
Cringe Cat and the Shnizzle Gloop
From author and illustrator, Natalie Soto Peterson, comes a very silly, rhyming children’s book about a cat who is low-key STARVING! All he wants is a tiny nibble of delicious Shnizzle Gloop. However, Mr. Craig and Mrs. Meg are hesitant to give in, knowing that the consequences could get sticky. Will they give in to Cringe Cats demands?
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Latest News
Local Authors and Illustrators Book Signing
November 2025 - Cringe Cat made its BIG debut at The Fort Bend Art Center in Rosenberg, Texas!
LitFest
March 7, 2026 - Lit Book Bar, Richmond, Texas. Come and hear from many local authors, including myself! A signed copy of Cringe Cat will be available for purchase. I’d love to see you there!
AI & Job Search: Navigating Automated Screeners in 2024
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