Meet the Creator
Clayton Stabley
Behind the whimsical world of Professor Cogglepotts is Clayton Stabley, a retired United States Army veteran who has since embraced a new chapter in his life as a children’s author, storyteller, and creator.
Following 20 years of distinguished military service, including deployments to Desert Storm, Iraq, and Afghanistan, Clayton has embarked on a new journey—one fueled by creativity, storytelling, and a lifelong fascination with the extraordinary power of imagination.
That creative passion eventually gave birth to Professor Thaddeus Montague Cogglepotts, a Victorian-inspired inventor, adventurer, and self-proclaimed Professor of Imagination.
Today, Clayton combines storytelling, music, theatrical entertainment, and education to inspire children to explore their creativity, embrace curiosity, and discover the possibilities within their own imaginations.
Author • Creator of Professor Cogglepotts • U.S. Army Veteran
The Imagination Behind the Professor
Inspired by Two Timeless Classics
The name Cogglepotts originated from Clayton’s admiration for Caractacus Potts, the eccentric inventor from the beloved film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Through a playful blending of the name, Clayton created the distinctive surname that would define his own imaginative character.
The title Professor of Imagination was inspired by Pure Imagination, the unforgettable song from Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.
Caractacus Potts inspired the name. Pure Imagination inspired the title. Clayton’s creativity brought the Professor to life.
Bringing Imagination to Life
Where Stories Become Adventures
From those inspirations emerged Gearinthia, a fantastical world of clockwork cities, soaring airships, mysterious inventions, and extraordinary adventures.
At its heart stands The Curiositorium of Cogglepotts, home to mechanical marvels, peculiar artifacts, and curious inventions, each with a story to tell.
Through children's books, storytelling, whimsical music, and live performances, Clayton brings this imaginative world to schools, libraries, festivals, and communities.
Blending entertainment with STEAM—Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics—his mission is to inspire curiosity, creativity, and a love of discovery.
Because every extraordinary adventure begins with two simple words:
What if?
The Heart Behind the Imagination
A Personal Reflection from Clayton Stabley
At the heart of Professor Cogglepotts are two very special inspirations—my granddaughters, Madilynn and Madison.
Their curiosity, laughter, and natural sense of wonder have reminded me that imagination isn't simply something we possess as children. It's something we should carry with us throughout our lives.
What began as a way to share extraordinary adventures with them grew into a desire to inspire that same wonder in children and families everywhere.
As their grandfather, an author, and the creator of Professor Cogglepotts, my greatest hope is that the stories and experiences I share encourage children to remain curious, ask questions, dream boldly, and never lose their sense of wonder.
Because I believe curiosity is one of the greatest gifts we're ever given.
It isn't something we outgrow…
It's something we return to.
