Kassy Johns
Mother, Wife, Author, Illustrator, Educator, Rancher
Hi there—I’m so glad you’re here!
My Story
My name is Kassy Johns, and I’m the author, illustrator, and educator behind Unbridled Dreams. I’m also a proud ranch wife and the mom of two spirited little girls. Sharing this lifestyle we love with them, while chasing a dream that began in a small rural school in South Dakota.
My love for stories started early. In third grade, I wrote a little tale called My Chickens for the Young Author’s Extravaganza. That story won an award, and I got to meet Laurie Lazzaro Knowlton, the author of Why Cowboys Sleep With Their Boots On. I still remember how it felt to hold her book in my hands and hear my grandma say, “You could be an author like that someday.”
Years later, I became a teacher myself, teaching K–3 in all subjects, plus PE and art for grades K–8, in a small rural school not unlike the one I grew up in. One day, my students told me something that stopped me in my tracks: “We don’t like reading.” But as we talked more, I realized they didn’t dislike reading—they just hadn’t found the right books. They wanted stories about bucking horses and the cowboy spirit. Stories they could connect with.
So, I started writing…
I wanted to create books that kids could see themselves in—stories they’d want to read to the very last page and then ask for more. When my family started our own cattle operation, I stepped out of the classroom and into a new chapter—ranching, motherhood, and turning my writing dream into reality.
Even though I’m not currently in the classroom, I never left education. I create teacher resources rooted in real classroom experience—resources I wish I had when I was teaching. I know how hard teachers work to create engaging lessons and fill their shelves with stories that spark imagination. I’m here to help with both.
As a mom, I cherish the time I get to spend with my children, and I love being able to share quality books with them.
As an educator, I appreciate how much time teachers spend making sure they have quality content that engages all their students, and who fill their classrooms with quality books they know their students will love.
As a rancher, I appreciate all the hard work that goes into everyday life and am so blessed to be able to live such a life!
As a new Author and Illustrator, I understand the effort and passion it takes to give life to a vision.
I hope to spark in young buckaroos a love for reading that can continue to grow as fast as they do!









Personal Life
I grew up in rural South Dakota, where growing up on the ranch meant an abundance of opportunities for learning, a good many miles in the saddle, and plenty of stories to entertain during the long cattle drives. It was an environment rich in community where you knew everyone, their horses, and their dogs, and a helping hand was never far from reach.
I currently hold two degrees. My first is in Exercise Science. With that, I worked as an exercise specialist in cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation, and during this time, I also offered education on diabetes prevention. I later moved, and during that time, I went back to school to earn my second degree in Education. I spent several years teaching in a rural school, teaching K-3 in all content areas and K-8 in PE and art. This was a very similar school to the ones I attended growing up, and I felt right at home. A later move led me to teaching 2nd grade on the Cheyenne Reservation. The days spent working in education, both before my education degree and after, and the times spent growing up on the ranch have inspired much of the work I create today.
These days, I live in a rural area not far from where I grew up, running a cattle operation with my husband. We have two free-spirited daughters. Life here is full of muddy boots, giggles, and everyday adventures that fuel my creativity.
Whether it’s drawing characters inspired by ranch life or designing classroom resources grounded in real teaching needs, my goal is always the same: to support educators and families with heartfelt, practical, and joyful tools. I combine my love of art, writing, and education to create picture books and teaching materials that feel both fun and purposeful. I understand the joys and challenges of the classroom—and I’m here to help lighten your load with resources you can trust.
Thanks so much for stopping by. I’m truly grateful to share this journey with you!