Grace Reads Out LoudThe Tales of Keegan and MabelJoin the waitlist
A storytime for the soft-hearted

Same heart.
Different paws.

Meet Mabel and Keegan: two best-friend dogs who show us that being twins is less about looking alike, and more about being seen with love.

Join the waitlist Hear the preview
For ages 3 to 8, and every grown-up who still needs a bedtime story.
Mabel and Keegan sitting together in a sunny garden
Come sit a spell.
There is room on the porch.
A first listen

Hear the story begin.

Grace introduces We’re Twins, reads the first page aloud, and closes with the full theme song, “Feels Like Always.”

Listen on Audiomack
Book one preview

The music starts right away, so you may want to turn the sound down to a comfortable level before pressing play.

Read-aloud ready, with room for every voice.
Big feelings, gentle landing places.
Stories and songs for the bedtime shelf.
Ashley sitting on the porch with Mabel and Keegan
A little world, made together

Every porch has a story waiting.

On a sun-washed street, two dogs share a home, a family, and a secret only twins know: the truest things about us live on the inside.

With Ashley close by and a garden full of small surprises, Mabel and Keegan make space for wonder, one wag, one question, and one brave little feeling at a time.

Meet the whole porch
Book one · We're Twins

Choose your kind of storytime.

Choose the edition that works for you.

Color inside

Premium color paperback

Premium color pages on the left and black-and-white pages on the right, made for reading and coloring together.

$19.99 USD
A simple favorite

Coloring Book

Black-and-white pages made for coloring, imagining, and making the story your own.

$9.99 USD
Built to keep

Premium color hardcover

A sturdy, full-color keepsake for bedtime rituals, bookmarks, and rereads.

$29.99 USD
Be first on the porch

Want to know when the book is ready?

We’re Twins is coming September 27. Join the waitlist and we’ll let you know the moment it’s ready.

Mabel, Keegan, and Ashley sharing a sunny porch moment
Meet the Porch Crew

Different is their favorite thing about each other.

Ashley

Ashley is six years old, imaginative, curious, and very funny. She has a special way of understanding Keegan and Mabel, loves making up stories, and considers pizza and ice cream perfectly reasonable food groups. She often makes completely serious observations that leave the adults around her trying not to laugh.

Mabel

Mabel is a giant schnauzer with a big, fluffy coat, an even bigger love for sticks, and LOTS of questions. She is curious, enthusiastic, loving, and never afraid to ask about something she does not understand. Her favorite things include adventures with Ashley, hanging out with Keegan, and finding a really good stick.

Keegan

Keegan is a gentle and patient golden retriever who always seems to know just what to say. He loves spending time with Ashley and Mabel and has a way of making hard things feel a little easier to understand. Thoughtful and observant, Keegan is always there when his best friends need him.

The soundtrack of together

Some stories want to be sung.

Nina Stephens is a singer and songwriter whose music is inspired by faith, love, hope, and the emotions that connect us all. She wrote “Feels Like Always” for this children’s book, adapting it from one of her original songs to fit the heart and spirit of the story.

Nina wants her music to touch people’s hearts, inspire them, and help others through the power of music.

Visit Nina Stephens
A gentle explanation

What are subliminals?

In this audio recording, subliminals are quiet spoken affirmations layered into the listening experience. They are words of encouragement about love, rest, safety, belonging, and self-worth. You can listen to the music without reading every affirmation, or read the words below as a text alternative to the spoken recording.

Good to know: These are supportive words for reflection and comfort, not medical advice or a replacement for professional care.

Read the affirmations used in the recording
  1. You are loved.
  2. You are so, so loved.
  3. And now let me tell you why you are enough.
  4. Exactly as you are.
  5. You don't have to be perfect to be loved.
  6. You make the world brighter just by existing.
  7. Your feelings are valid, no matter what they are.
  8. You deserve kindness from others and from yourself.
  9. You are so deeply loved.
  10. More than you know.
  11. Your presence alone makes life better.
  12. You are strong, even on the days you don't feel it.
  13. You are allowed to take up space.
  14. You are never too much or not enough.
  15. Your heart is so, so beautiful.
  16. You are never a burden.
  17. You bring joy just by being you.
  18. It's okay to rest.
  19. You deserve real rest.
  20. You are resilient.
  21. Even when you feel fragile, you are never alone.
  22. I'm right here.
  23. The way you love is breathtaking.
  24. You have a light inside you that never truly goes out.
  25. You are worth celebrating, not just on the good days.
  26. Always.
  27. You are intelligent in so many beautiful ways.
  28. You are capable of more than you realize.
  29. Your kindness has changed lives.
  30. You don't have to prove yourself to anyone.
  31. You are worthy of love just by being you.
  32. Your laughter lights up.
  33. The world and I love the sound of your voice.
  34. no matter what you're saying.
  35. You inspire me every single day.
  36. You are important.
  37. You radiate warm and love.
  38. The way you care about others is beautiful.
  39. You are the kind of person who makes life feel magical.
  40. You make hard days so much easier just by being there.
  41. You are so easy to love.
  42. You don't have to have all the answers right now.
  43. You are allowed to go at your own.
  44. You deserve to take care of yourself just like you take care of others.
  45. You are doing better than you think.
  46. You have so much to offer the world.
  47. You bring out the best in the people who love you.
  48. You are allowed to have bad days.
  49. You don't have to be productive to be valuable.
  50. You're valuable because you are, because I said so.
  51. You are healing even when it doesn't feel like it.
  52. You are allowed to take a break.
  53. You aren't defined by your struggles.
  54. You have people who love you deeply.
  55. You bring softness into my life.
  56. You are worthy of the same kindness you give so freely.
  57. You are better than enough, even, and maybe especially so on your hardest days.
  58. You have made it through every bad day before.
  59. You are never alone, even when it feels like it.
  60. You aren't broken, nor do you need fixing.
  61. You are whole and perfect, just as you are.
  62. You deserve love that makes you feel safe.
  63. Your mind is beautiful, and your heart is so full of love.
  64. You don't have to carry anything by yourself.
  65. You are more than the negative thoughts in your head.
  66. You bring comfort just by being here.
  67. You are deeply cherished.
  68. Your presence is a gift.
  69. You are a good person.
  70. And you don't have to do anything to earn love.
  71. You deserve to be happy.
  72. You have a future filled with love and warmth ahead of.
  73. You are a safe place for the people who love you.
  74. And to them, all you have to do is be yourself.
  75. You are free to grow and change.
  76. You are supported.
  77. You are deserving of all the good things life has to offer.
  78. You are worthy of love, peace, and happiness.
  79. You are doing so well.
  80. Let me remind you of a few more things.
  81. You are allowed to let go of what hurts you.
  82. You have so much strength inside you.
  83. You are exactly who you are meant to be.
  84. You are loved in ways you haven't even realized yet.
  85. Your dreams matter.
  86. Your happiness matters.
  87. Your voice deserves to be heard.
  88. You are a masterpiece in progress, and every version of you is beautiful.
  89. You make even ordinary moments feel special.
  90. You are allowed to set boundaries.
  91. In fact, I encourage you to set boundaries.
  92. You are allowed to ask for what you need.
  93. Your emotions are never too much.
  94. You are courageous, even when you feel scared.
  95. You have already overcome so much.
  96. Be proud of yourself.
  97. You are deserving of good things.
  98. You don't have to earn rest.
  99. Your body is in a measure of your worth.
  100. Your mistakes don't define you.
  101. You are a work of art inside and out.
  102. You don't have to compare yourself to anyone, you are irreplaceable.
  103. You are someone's favorite person.
  104. The world is better because you are in.
  105. You are more loved than you would ever fully understand.
  106. No bad day can ever take away how incredible you are, even when you don't believe in yourself.
  107. I believe in you.
  108. I will remind you of these things as many times as you need, and most importantly, I love you always.
  109. Feel how safe you are.
  110. You don't have to do anything right now.
  111. There's no expectations or pressure.
  112. Just rest.
  113. I know some days feel heavier than others.
  114. And sometimes even getting through the day takes more energy than you have.
  115. But you don't have to carry it all by yourself.
  116. You are never alone.
  117. Never.
  118. And if you ever forget how wonderful you are, and start to doubt any of the things I've told you, I will be right here to remind you.
  119. Again and again.
  120. As many times as it takes.
  121. Because you are everything to me.
  122. I have got you.
  123. Always.
Words by Nina Stephens

Wonder what the lyrics to “Feels Like Always” are?

Read the complete lyrics for the song Nina Stephens wrote for the series The Tales of Keegan and Mabel. The lyrics are provided as a text companion to the audio recording.

Verse 1

I don’t remember how it started,What day or what year we metAll I know is ever since then,You’ve felt like home in my chest.Maybe it was school, maybe just fate,Maybe the playground got the timing straightBut somehow we just clicked like we always wereMeant to stand side by side in this world.

Pre-Chorus

And there’s no picture on a wallMarking the first time that you called,But it doesn’t matter what we builtIs louder than the things we forgot.

Chorus

‘Cause it feels like alwaysLike you’ve been in every chapter, even the ones I don’t remember.Feels like alwaysLike we were already friends before we ever learned each other’s names.We don’t need a starting line to prove what’s real,Some people show up and just stay, and you’re stillSo even if I don’t know where it began,I know you’re where I’ll always land.Yeah… it just feels like always.

Verse 2

You’re the one who sees the mess in meAnd laughs while we jump in deep,The one who stays through games and quietWhile the rest just watch and leave.Some friendships fade like passing weather,But ours?It only gets betterBuilt on playground laughs and silly thingsThat only best friends ever understand.

Pre-Chorus

And I don’t need the calendarTo tell me how long we’ve been here,‘Cause the proof is every memoryYou never let me face alone.

Chorus

‘Cause it feels like alwaysLike you’ve been in every chapter, even the ones I don’t remember.Feels like alwaysLike we were already friends before we ever learned each other’s names.We don’t need a starting line to prove what’s real,Some people show up and just stay, and you’re stillSo even if I don’t know where it began,I know you’re where I’ll always land.Yeah… it just feels like always.

Bridge

And maybe someday we’ll rememberWhere the story first beganOr maybe it doesn’t matter‘Cause I already know the end: You’ll be there, I’ll be there,Laughing at how far we made it,Side by side, still kids, undefeated.

Final Chorus

‘Cause it feels like alwaysAnd maybe that’s the magic, maybe that’s the proof.Feels like alwaysYou’re the friend I call when the world feels too loud, too cruel.We don’t need a first photo, a high score or a startYou’ve just always been written in my heart.So even if I never get the “when,”I know you’ll be my always friend.

Made with a listening heart

A story born from noticing.

Grace Reads Out Loud is a home for stories that give children language for the things they already feel. Each tale begins with a simple question, two beloved dogs, Keegan and Mabel, and the belief that being understood is its own kind of magic.

Come learn more about the other products we make at healingwithgrac3.com .

With love, GracePS. You are better than enough.
The art behind the story

Suzanne Maxwell, Illustrator

Suzanne Maxwell is the illustrator of The Tales of Keegan and Mabel: We’re Twins.

Suzanne’s full biography will be added here soon.

Quick answers for families

About the book and series

Clear details about the first story, its readers, and the people bringing it to life.

What makes these books different?

Each book includes a QR code that opens a hidden storytime page. There, you can hear an introduction to the theme song, listen as Grace reads the complete story aloud, and settle in with the full theme song looping four times—growing quieter with each loop while gentle subliminal affirmations play underneath. And really, how many children’s books come with a theme song before the TV show? It turns reading into an interactive experience and gives tired grown-ups a little help on bedtime nights, too.

What is The Tales of Keegan and Mabel?

It is a children’s story series from Grace Reads Out Loud about best-friend dogs Keegan and Mabel, their family, and the feelings and questions children carry with them.

What is the first book?

Book one is We’re Twins, a story about how being twins is less about looking alike and more about being seen with love.

What ages is We’re Twins for?

The book is written for children ages 3 to 8 and for families, caregivers, and educators who enjoy reading aloud together.

Who illustrated We’re Twins?

Suzanne Maxwell illustrated The Tales of Keegan and Mabel: We’re Twins. Her full biography will be added soon.

Keep the porch light on

Bring a question, a hello, or a story.

For families, booksellers, educators, and kindred story people. If you have an idea for a story, we would love to hear it. We read every note.

Usually answered within a few story-days.