Every great children’s story begins with a spark—an idea, a moment of inspiration that takes root and grows. For Boerne authors Marybell and Eric Morse, that spark ignited somewhere between the wild beauty of Big Bend, the childhood allure of cowboy life, and the scrappy charm of a little javelina named “Lina.”
But this story doesn’t just belong to Lina. It’s also the story of two people, opposites in many ways, coming together to create something beautiful—a storybook that has quickly found its way into the hearts of families across Texas.
Eric had always been a creative soul. A writer, artist, and designer with a love for the big picture, he dreamed of writing a children’s book long before he met Marybell. “I visited Big Bend and thought, ‘There’s got to be a story here,’” Eric explains. “The landscape, the wildlife—it’s so unique. I wanted something kids could connect to.”
The idea sat for years, waiting. Then Eric moved to Texas, where he met Marybell—a native San Antonian with a love for the outdoors and a deep appreciation for family values. “I was one of the first people he met,” Marybell shares. “We were just friends for a while, but eventually, we got married and had kids.” And after a while, Lina came back to life.
As parents, the Morses began searching for books that reflected both the adventurous spirit of Texas and wholesome, timeless values. “We thought, surely there’s this whole library of Texan classics for kids,” Marybell recalls. “But we couldn’t really find what we were looking for.” That’s when Eric pulled his old idea out of the drawer, and Lina the Javelina began to take shape.
What makes Lina the Javelina so special isn’t just the story or the illustrations—it’s the dynamic behind the book itself. Eric and Marybell are the epitome of opposites attracting. He’s the visionary, the creative force with big ideas. She’s the detail-oriented partner who grounds those ideas and makes them shine.
“Javelinas aren’t exactly cute,” Eric admits. “My early sketches of Lina were… let’s say, a little too realistic.” “Scraggly and ugly,” Marybell chimes in, laughing. “I told him, ‘This is for kids, right? It's got to be adorable. It's got to be lovable.’”
That balance—of vision and practicality, of artistry and warmth—is evident throughout Lina the Javelina. Eric brought the story arc, the landscapes, and the themes of courage and adventure. Marybell brought the heart, the characters, and the fine details that make the book so memorable. “It was a partnership,” Eric reflects. “I couldn’t have done it without her. She took what I had and made it into something families could love.”
At its heart, Lina the Javelina is about courage, teamwork, and the longing for adventure—universal themes that resonate with readers of all ages. Lina, the story’s scrappy protagonist, dreams of becoming a cowgirl. Along the way, she and her friends face challenges that test their bravery, resourcefulness, and relationships. “Each character has their own personality,” Marybell explains. “We wanted kids to see themselves in the story. Just like in Winnie the Pooh, everyone can relate to one of the characters.”
For the Morses, Lina the Javelina isn’t just a children’s story—it’s a celebration of Texas life, old-fashioned values, and the wisdom passed down through generations. They wanted to include “Texasisms,” or as Marybell says, “things like ‘Yes, ma’am’ and ‘Much obliged.’ Some of that proverbial wisdom that your grandmother or grandfather would say.” She continues, “It’s about giving kids something wholesome, something with heart. And it’s also about getting them outside, connecting with nature and adventure—things we sometimes lose sight of.”
While Lina the Javelina may be their first children’s book together, it’s just the beginning. The Morses are already dreaming up new stories, with each book in a series exploring the virtues and challenges faced by Lina and her friends.
Of course, the couple’s three young daughters—Agnes, Margaret, and Lucy—are their biggest fans and most honest critics. "I like when Army says she was in a pickle!" five-year-old Agnes says. Four-year-old Margaret shares a minor spoiler: "My favorite part was when they returned the doll." Meanwhile, two-year-old Lucy just likes the physical book itself: "I got it. Por mi,” she says as she grabs the book and runs away.
“Seeing our kids connect with the story, that’s been such a rewarding part,” Marybell says. “It’s like raising a child in some ways—you pour your heart into it, and then you see it come to life. It’s a beautiful thing.”
Like Lina herself, the Morses are just getting started. With dreams of a full series and more creative projects on the horizon, this Boerne duo is proving that great stories don’t just entertain—they inspire, they teach, and they bring people together.
“You face this in all circumstances—in your jobs, in your families, and everything—right?” Marybell says as she summarizes the lesson they hope Lina the Javelina imparts. “So you think, ‘Ok, how do we get along? And how can we complement each other for the goal of a good purpose?’ Whether it's raising a family, getting a project out the door, or returning a doll. It applies to all of life.”
PULL QUOTE:
“Each character has their own personality. We wanted kids to see themselves in the story.” —Marybell Morse
SIDEBAR:
Eric Robert and Marybell Morse are the creative husband-and-wife duo behind Lina the Javelina, a children’s book celebrating courage, friendship, and Texas charm. Eric, a native of Indiana, is a writer, illustrator, and multi-talented artist who brings big-picture vision to their projects. Marybell, born and raised in San Antonio with Mexican-American roots, complements Eric’s creativity with her eye for detail and her deep appreciation for storytelling with purpose. They draw inspiration from their love of family, the outdoors, and Texas culture. The Morses strive to create engaging stories that instill timeless values in children, including their three daughters. Their collaboration merges Eric’s artistic passion with Marybell’s grounded perspective, creating works that resonate across generations.
You can find Lina the Javelina online at littletreasurespress.com and in person at The Boerne Bookshop.