About Us - Count Olympus

Creation Story

I (Trish) grew up absolutely fascinated by the Greek myths. My mom, a voracious reader of mysteries and historical books, made ancient Greek mythology a cherished part of my childhood experience through lots of books, plays, costume parties, and museum trips. I wanted to be as courageous and wise as the goddess Athena, and to someday love someone as much as Orpheus loved Eurydice (minus the tragic ending, of course). I wanted to travel the seas like Odysseus, overcoming fantastical challenges like the Cyclops, Circe, and the Sirens – the sort of challenges that simultaneously demonstrate and develop truly remarkable character.

I am now a loving wife and mom of a very curious 2.5 year old who loves to read. I have scoured the library, the internet, used book stores, and yard sales searching for books that would introduce my daughter to all of the things that I believe make life interesting, beautiful, and fun. Unfortunately, none of the books on Greek mythology are accessible to the very young. I haven’t been able to find a single book written for kids younger than sixth grade. While it’s true, many of the actual myths have complex story lines and often less than fairytale endings, the Twelve Olympians have such rich and unique personalities, capabilities, and symbolism associated with them that I thought they could easily serve as a fantastic introduction to this magical world.

This inspired me to seek out our amazing illustrator, Carol Nussbaum. Together we translated my vision into her absolutely beautiful illustrations. Every aspect of each page has been carefully researched and thought through so that the end result is traditionally accurate, visually interesting, and truly engaging. We hope this book will help your children to learn to love the ancient Greek gods and goddesses just as much as we do!

Trish Kenlon, Author

I am the happy mother of a daughter who, at two years old, is a voracious reader. I am also a proud alumna of the Shipley School in Bryn Mawr, PA where ancient Greek mythology has always been a fun and engaging part of the sixth grade curriculum. I went to Carnegie Mellon for my undergraduate degree in business administration, and later earned my MBA from NYU Stern.

I have spent my professional career in the passionate pursuit of helping companies to operate more efficiently and become more environmentally sustainable. I have worked for a wide variety of companies including Bank of America, IBM, and Ann Taylor, and I am currently the Director of Energy Services for ESE Solutions.

I have never been to Greece, but I have always wanted to go – we are saving up for a trip once our daughter is old enough to enjoy it!

Carol Nussbaum, Illustrator

My life as an artist began on the kitchen floor, in the house I grew up in, as my mother cooked our dinner. The colors, textures and shapes in my kitchen captivated me, and although my first artistic attempts were only crayon drawings, I had stumbled upon a way to express myself.

There my investigation of place through art was born, if only in a very basic way. When my children were small, it was as if no single medium of art could contain me. As my three little ones grew and experimented, I grew and experimented, too. Children’s book illustrator, wall mural painter, stationary designer, magazine artist– my creative titles have been as varied as the roles I played at home.

The facts are simple: I went to Skidmore College where I studied both art, art history and photography. I graduated with honors. As an art director in New York City from 1979 to the early 90′s, I won a few awards. Now that my children are grown, I am returning to my roots but testing my wings, always experimenting . And wow, am I loving the journey.