Reed Nathan is the pen name Mark Hamric writes under for his children’s fiction, including the Felton and Friends series. Set in the small, close-knit community of Shepherd’s Dale, the series follows Felton and his circle of animal friends through the everyday adventures, mishaps, and lessons that come with growing up — stories written to make kids laugh while quietly pointing them toward kindness, courage, and faith.

Mark has a sincere heart for people — he’s spent a lifetime simply watching and listening to them — and those quiet observations find their way into the characters and small-town rhythms of Shepherd’s Dale.

Felton’s First Phone, the first book in the series, introduces readers to Shepherd’s Dale and its cast of characters. Ollie and the Big Hill follows, with more Felton and Friends adventures on the way.

Mark also writes theology nonfiction under his own name, for believers both new to the faith and seasoned in it. His aim is to help leaders look inward and extend the same grace to newcomers and seekers that was once extended to them.

Mark lives in North Carolina. Before writing full-time, he spent years doing honest, hands-on work — HVAC service calls, long stretches as an over-the-road trucker, even a stint as a dishwasher — and never thought a job was too small to do well. These days that same show-up-and-do-the-work spirit goes into his writing. When he’s not working on the next Felton and Friends book, he’s likely dreaming up the next one.