About Me

I’m now living my third “life” as a children’s author and amateur musician. The love of the French language inspired my first life as a high school French teacher, followed by a 25-year+ career as a college librarian. I live in Daly City, (next to San Francisco, CA), with my husband Martin and mini-schnauzer dog, Archie.

I love picture books and read them a lot. Here are some of my current favs:

  • “Here Comes the Tooth Fairy Cat” by Deborah Underwood.
  • “They All Saw a Cat” by Brendan Wenzel
  • “Pigeon Needs a Bath” by Mo Willems
  • “Z is for Moose” by Kelley Bingham

When I’m not reading or writing picture books, I’m playing cello or piano.

I also might be walking dogs (or are they walking me?) for Muttville, a senior dog rescue. Read the story I wrote about Muttville, “A Dog’s Last Chance.”

My fantasy would be to be a famous tango dancer or jazz singer. 

As a kid I read to escape. One summer I set my goal to read every book in the children’s section of my public library branch. I almost did it!

I like being around kids and getting them excited about reading. During a normal school year, I tutor 2nd or 3rd-graders at the Bayshore Elementary School.

Member of SCBWI, graduate of Institute of Children’s Literature, 12 x 12, NCJW

Secrets:

Click to reveal the secrets!

In 5th grade when I struck out three times in one baseball game.

  • My daughter, Shamira, who’s a high school English teacher 
  • Ruth Bader Ginsburg
  • Golda Meir
  • Kamala Harris and so many other activist women

Walking in a redwood tree forest

Listening to Adagio for Stringsby Samuel Barber

Seeing rainbows

  • that no one goes hungry
  • that kindness and love overpower hatred and intolerance
  • that we protect our environment
  • that every child learns to read and has a library card