My interest in writing and illustrating children's books grew out of my passion for the natural world, a love for reading and travel, and A LOT of doodling. While working as a commercial illustrator and muralist, I began crafting my own stories–some invented, some not. After over seventy books I still can’t imagine a better career than writing and illustrating for children. 

Born and raised in California, I now live sandwiched between three ponds and a river in beautiful Idaho. When I'm not crafting stories, I enjoy plein air painting, hiking mountain trails, playing the hammered dulcimer, felting the characters in my books, and gardening.

​I still believe it’s hard to beat the smell of a brand new box of crayons.