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I live in the beautiful Pacific
Northwest with my four children
and husband.  
I call the kids the 4 Js because all
their names start with J. This
scenery makes me want to write
lots of books!
My husband is really smart.
Look at the size of that brain!
The Js can’t believe it.
Some believe I was born under
this tree. But I’m really from
Houston, Texas. Can you find
both of the Js?
We especially like visiting with
friends.  Here are two of the Js
hanging out together with some
friendly giant teddy bears.  I see
they are drinking Yoohoos.
Tasty. Yum.
Hmm. My hands and shoes are
the same size as Steven
Spielberg's. I hope I'm catching
some of his mojo.  
Sometimes we have snow. That
means it's time for extreme
snowball fights. Look at the
size of that snowball! That J
better not throw it.
I decided writing children’s books was calling my name at the wise age of 30. I
joined SCBWI, found a critique group and began writing, rewriting and writing more.
Between diaper changes and vacuuming, I honed my skills. Over time, my long suit
appeared - ironclad tenacity.

The first poem I memorized was "Fog" by Carl Sandburg. I also loved the poetry of
Robert Frost. My mother read Don Quixote to me as a child. I was taught to read
whatever I wanted to. I never worry if it’s too old or too young. I worry if it’s going
to have a satisfying ending. I do hate an unsatisfying ending.  

I started writing as a teenager. I wrote my first children’s story when I was 17 years
old. I have journaled for a long time. I always keep two journals. One for everything
and the other for poetry. In college I was encouraged by several teachers to become
a writer of children’s books. I'm glad I listened to my teachers!
SNAPSHOTS
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Nice glasses.  I
thought I looked
just like a librarian!
My relationship
with Santa Claus
was rocky at first.
I'm the one melting
in his presence.
My sister is totally
bored.
Buddy Bear
was real.  
He was!
Here I am
dressed up
as a proper
Japanese
girl.
Here is my
daughter dressed
up as a proper
angel. How
about that halo?
"The time has come,' the
Walrus said, 'To talk of
many things: Of shoes -- and
ships -- and sealing wax --
Of cabbages -- and kings"
Lewis Carrol