Bur Bur and Friends® books and products are produced by the passionate team at Farmer's Hat Productions®.
A farmer's hat provides shelter from the sun and rain, so the farmer can nurture healthy plants. Our mission at Farmer's Hat Productions is to create fun, enriching books and products that help children blossom.
President, Founder, Co-Author
JoAnne is the creative engine that founded Farmer's Hat Productions and the Bur Bur and Friends brand. In 2005 she made the leap from a successful financial adviser to an award-winning children's book author and savvy entrepreneur. Her 20 years experience in sales and marketing paved the way for her status as a mover and shaker who creates winning strategies and puts them into action.
JoAnne works as an activist for numerous community causes focusing on children. Through her efforts with the Children's Tumor Foundation and the University of Minnesota she is currently working to create awareness of Neurofibromatosis.
She holds a Masters of International Management in Marketing from the University of St. Thomas.
Vice President, Founding Partner, Co-Author
Kakie is the powerhouse and visionary force that drives the marketing and branding efforts for Farmer's Hat Productions. Her extraordinary business acumen and talent for exploring new horizons is a result of 20+ years in strategic marketing services, training and communications.
In the community, Kakie has worked extensively on children's causes, including Cub Scouts, Junior Achievement and La Oportunidad, a Latino nonprofit.
She holds a bachelor's degree with a double major in Business Management and Communications as well as a Mini-Master's degree in Project Management from the University of St. Thomas.
Creative Director
From book design to communications, Christopher helps shape every aspect of the Bur Bur and Friends brand, creating memorable campaigns and a distinctive look. He brings more than 20 years of experience in advertising, graphic design and art director to the Farmer's Hat Productions team.
Christopher has created branded environments in retail and web design for both local and national clients, and is the owner and Creative Director of xt4, Inc.
He holds a bachelor's degree in Applied Design and Visual Communications from the University of Minnesota's College of Design.
Illustrator
Lindsay is the up-and-coming illustrator behind the Bur Bur and Friends books. She creates most of her illustrations using a unique blend of 3-D clay sculptures and Photoshop.
Her work also appears in The Trendmaster's Guide: Get a Jump on What Your Customer Wants Next by Robyn Waters, among others.
Lindsay graduated from the Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design and holds a Bachelor's of Fine Art in Illustration.
> See Lindsay's work