ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Writer. Teacher. Word Lover.
I grew up in a small town in Southern Illinois, immersed in books from a very young age. As a child, I enjoyed rhymes from books like HOP ON POP as well as repetitious lines from my other favorite, BROWN BEAR, BROWN BEAR. My own library of books continually expanded until my bookshelves were exploding with treasure. I began borrowing books when my grandma took me to the yearly summer camp at the local library. It was then I discovered the excitement of sitting amongst shelves and shelves of books; reading, learning, and transporting myself to other worlds.
My love of the written word carried on to adulthood, when I decided to become a teacher. For the last 20 years, I’ve worked with students from first to eighth grade, helping young children learn to read and inspiring young adults they can read to learn.
Throughout my teaching endeavors, I realized what a huge positive impact reading quality books has had on my life. I decided to begin a new chapter of this adventure by writing and publishing my very own book. My first book, LIGHTNING BUG LANTERN, was published in May 2019. It has been surreal to experience my lifelong dream of becoming a published author come true.
I truly believe books open the doors to so many opportunities, and I am always awaiting the next adventure!
I am extremely proud and honored to share my first picture book with you. LIGHTNING BUG LANTERN is a heartwarming story for children that emphasizes the importance of teamwork and friendship through the eyes of Maggie, a young girl whose biggest wish is to catch enough lightning bugs to fill her campsite with magic light.
My second book, SIMON P. CATSBY, is now available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Based on a true story of my beloved cat, SIMON P. CATSBY is a witty story of a sassy young kitty who realizes he would like to have a place to call home.
It's a cold, snowy morning outside the local elementary school where a curious gray kitty is poking his nose around, enjoying his feline freedom. That's when it hits him - maybe he really does need a "furever" home. Will he find what he is looking for at the school? With bright and cheery illustrations, this picture book addresses animal rescue, adoption, and collaboration as a teacher and her class work together to find their furry friend a home.
