Leah Leal
Hi! Leah Leal, here! I’m so happy you found your way to our website. This project has been a great labor of love and it’s so exciting to know you are here to learn more about our beloved Miss Daisy.
A little bit about me: I am 43 years old, a wife of 24 years to my wonderful husband, Andrew Leal. We have nine amazing children and 2 grandchildren with one more on the way. I wrote Miss Daisy Dupree out of longing to create something special for my first grandson who was on the way, while collaborating with one of my best friends and gifted second born son. They worked together to create the beautiful artwork in our book.
The heart behind Miss Daisy is really to share what matters most in life, and that’s love. Enjoying life to the fullest is what Miss Daisy does best. With all the beauty around her, she finds the warmth of caring friends the sweetest and most beautiful thing there is!
The most Important thing in my life is my friendship with my Savior, Jesus Christ. He is love it’s self, and I want everyone to know him-to taste and see that the Lord is so, so GOOD! Knowing Him has led me to love and create all kinds of beautiful things and experiences, like Miss Daisy, and there’s more to come!
Follow me on fb and instagram to stay up to date on the fun! Reach out with questions or anything else, I’ll be so glad to be friends!
Meet our Illustrators
This dynamic duo shares a special history. Ellen Holland—a beloved local artist and close family friend of author Leah Leal—recognized Noah’s artistic potential when he was just a young boy. Seeing his gift, she poured into him as a mentor, encouraging his creativity and even investing in art lessons to help him grow. Years later, as Leah began work on this project, Ellen invited 17-year-old Noah to contribute by sketching the animal illustrations. Ellen then brought those sketches to life with her vibrant watercolor paintings. These charming characters now inhabit a whimsical woodland world of willows, oak trees, blackberry bushes, and fungi.
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Ellen is a beloved local artist known for her enchanting works at Quayside Gallery in downtown Pensacola, Florida. At the lively Palafox Market, she warmly interacts with visitors, friends, and fellow artists, sharing her love for art and community. Each piece from Miss Daisy Dupree reflects the love and friendship Ellen embodies. Her long-time friendship with Leah Leal, the author of Miss Daisy Dupree, led to a special collaboration that captures the essence of love, beauty, and friendship.
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Noah is currently working diligently for his father in the family business, where he has learned many valuable skills, but he is also interested in pursuing further education in the fascinating world of art. He hopes to one day publish his very own illustrated work.
