What makes someone want to write a story for children?  I think it’s because we love to revisit the child within us and all the wonder of this world, the rich sensory experiences and the love of waking up to learn and experience every moment.

My stories draw upon multitude of sources, my own growing up in a simpler time when we spent more time outside in the yard and woods than inside the house.  Specifically, I am the granddaughter of a rose grower in Madison, New Jersey.  I have memories of the grand greenhouses, the grading room, my grandparent’s farmhouse, the sheep, the chickens, the stray cats and huge family get togethers. I remember it well, because I spend nearly every Saturday there! I also draw from my 3 children’s experiences growing up and our moves from Texas, to Louisiana, to New York and then Florida.  Also, I have the added privilege of looking through the eyes of 4 grandchildren, and more time than I had in the past, to observe.  And then, of course, I draw from 18 years of teaching children in the public schools and still now, teaching yoga to children ages 4-10.

Writing is an exploration and a discovery of what I can do with the written word and story.  Currently, I have written 3 books in verse, one in prose, and I am embarking on writing a non-fiction book called “The Rose City.”

Each of my books present a lesson about life, and how to gracefully dance through opposition or sometimes stumble through the bittersweet moments of life.  My hope is to create a worthwhile story that will be read again and again, the reader drawn in by a little bit of hilarity, sometimes mischief, and a lot of relativity.

PICTURE BOOKS

Karma Kat’s H’om

Simply, the story is about a vulnerable abandoned cat needing rescue, a girl of underrepresented ethnicity joining a yoga class and how the universal sound of “Om” brings them together.
The story draws the reader in by feeling concern for the cat, and so, on this first level, creates an awareness of rescuing animals.  On the next level, children will relate to the universal feeling of loneliness, acceptance and belonging.  At the highest level, the reader will discern how the inclusion of yoga poses, breathing and chanting “Om” are tools that are helpful and empowering in life.  
An excerpt:
The days of summer passed quickly, as they always do.  Except, that is, for Karma Kat.  She cowered and hid beneath the bushes on the Fourth of July.  And scurried under the car, narrowly escaping a growling dog.  She paused, slowed her breathing and stood her ground more boldly than she ever had before. 

Leafetta

The title and story, inspired by my granddaughter Emily, is a tale in verse of a young tree that is bored and seeks adventure.  Leafetta wishes to leave her “roots” and seek the world.  A few choice encounters with the real world have Leafetta grounded and grateful again for being present, content and loved right where she is.
The story is told with a bit of humor and lightness as Leafetta struggles with her emotions and experiences, and her parents calmly and lovingly help her mature.
An excerpt:  
Leafetta sighed as the wind blew through her leaves. She was hot, thirsty, tired and definitely peeved.

Gigi’s Tea Party

When the grandchildren visit, they ask their Gigi for a tea party.  Knowing that they will all have to act properly and with good manners, they respond as best they can.  Gigi tactfully tries to correct and direct the children from impropriety, but some moments are even too much for Gigi.  Nevertheless, the children adore the tea party and want their Gigi to join in their next activity.
An excerpt:
“Gigi, can we have a tea party today. The weather’s all nasty, there’s no place to play.”
“Probably, most likely, but how must you ask? Remembering manners is a most mindful task.”