I love being outside in nature, and my walks through the woods and sedge marshes of southeastern Wisconsin helped to inspire the story found in my original children's chapter book, A Dragonfly Tale: To The Meadow And Back. A native of Wisconsin, I am an amateur ornithologist, otherwise known as a birder or bird watcher. I have drawn upon many personal experiences and observations of various insects, birds, and other creatures seen in their natural habitats for the creation of some of my favorite characters. From Daisy Dragonfly to Criket the storytelling cricket and the tiny Bitty Bee, I have enjoyed sharing the beauty and wonder of nature through my research and writing of A Dragonfly Tale.

   Escape into a world untouched by man and discover a realm filled with familiar creatures possessing surprising talents, unwavering loyalty, and a fierce determination to do right. The tale introduces young readers to a variety of creatures and their habitats, engaging the imagination by transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary

   At the end of the story the reader will find an appendix filled with real world facts about the anthropomorphic characters and the three distinct ecoystems they have traveled through. I pose questions designed to invite the reader to think about the delicate balance of nature and humankinds interaction with it.

   A DRAGONFLY TALE: TO THE MEADOW AND BACK can be read purely for it's intrigueing storyline or as a way to educate readers of any age with fun facts about the characters.

   COME MEET:  DAISY DRAGONFLY, Daisy's mentor the mystical FROGG, CRIKET the story telling cricket, and the rest of the Forestland characters. Here is qoute by the rascal Criket, Daisy Dragonfly's traveling campanion who is born with the power to hypnotize anyone with his story telling charms:         

      “My, you are a rambunctious young insect aren’t you? Yes, I am from the meadow and a bit lost I might add. I was chased into the woods by a cat of all things. A cat way out here! Never in all my life did I see such a monster. Claws and teeth and whiskers like…like…well, like whiskers!"

      “Monsters they are. Now me? I’m no fan of owls, but a good-sized owl would make a nice meal out of that cat. King of the beasts he calls himself. Nothing more than a common hooligan! Now then, Young Dragonfly, do you think you could help me out? Point me toward the meadow. Provide some aerial reconnaissance, protection as it were?”

 

 

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