Behind the Pages
It all started with a goat, a kid, and a very big heart for place. Get to know the people behind Here & There and the work that connects stories, seasons, and community.
Once upon a time in a place that you call home, there lived a beloved city mascot, a curious little kid, and a woman with a heart full of stories.
Here & There Wonders grew from a simple but powerful idea: every child deserves to feel wonder right where they are.
Founded by Spokane writer, educator, and mother Megan Young, the brand began with a deep belief that childhood is the magic that unlocks a lifelong sense of curiosity. Megan had been working alongside children since her first job as a camp counselor, but it wasn’t until her own kids that sparked the question:
What if home became a story to help children feel rooted, curious, and seen?
From that spark came the playful and meaningful neighborhood of Garbage Goat & Kid, full of characters that remind young readers, parents, and caregivers that wonder and adventure aren't always far away.
Today, Here & There Wonders remains anchored in the Inland Northwest, with its heart in Spokane. Through seasonal adventures, collaborative partnerships, and place-based storytelling, the project invites kids and families to explore, imagine, and connect, both at home and beyond.
Because every place has a story.
And every child deserves to belong in it.
Our Team
Curious. Passionate. Quirky.
Writer
Meg Young
Born and raised in Spokane, Meg's passions all came full circle after becoming a mom. Stories, teaching, history, and adventure all melded into one with the hope of sharing more of home with her kids. From camp counselor to teacher assistant, from national historic site interpreter to local museum educator, from pedagogy trainer to stay-at-home mom, all roles expanded her awareness and now she's found a new way to share her joy and passion.
Illustrator
Melissa Murakami
Melissa is a PNW-based illustrator and story artist with a passion for bringing out the kid in everyone. From a young age, she was drawn to stories and creating characters through art. It was tough to find a notebook page or homework sheet without some kind of doodle on it. Melissa grew her skills as a proud graduate of Whitworth University (class of 2018), giving her a soft spot for the city of Spokane. She went on to receive her MFA in Digital Arts and continues to grow and learn every day.
Our Growth
2021
Nov
Megan's first visit to Riverfront Park with her daughter sparks "the idea".
2023
June
Melissa Murakami creates artwork for locally published board game, "Growers" by New Kingdom
2024
Jan
Megan & Melissa start collaboration for Garbage Goat & Kid.
2024 Nov
Here & There publishes our first children's book, "Kid and the Nothing-to-Do Year".
2025
June
Megan & Melissa begin working on sequel of the Garbage Goat & Kid neighborhood.