Throughout my emerging journey as an author, I am finding that the best – and most natural – way to use my voice is to highlight and celebrate the unique qualities that children embody to help boost their self-esteem.

In my debut companion books, Let’s Hear It for the Boys! and Girls Aren’t Just Girly, the rhyming verses are crafted to acknowledge and celebrate some of the different strengths, dreams and aspirations that children have. My hope is that reading these witty and whimsical verses will help children appreciate their unique talents and learn from and each other’s differences.

When I’m not writing… I’m a daughter, mother, grandmother (or GiGi!), auntie, friend, storyteller, dog owner, champion of happiness, and spreader of joy!

• My favorite colors are pink and blue.

• My favorite food group is chocolate!

• Never have I ever had a cup of coffee. (I drink tea.)

• I love alliteration – the way it twists, turns and tangles up your tongue!

• I believe with all my heart that KINDNESS MATTERS.