I was born in the Ottawa Valley, but grew up in Arizona. I am a certified elementary educator, a freelance editor, and the author of numerous award-winning books for kids. Waiting for the Whales and Jessie's Island are two of my titles that have been in print for over 30  years. I am the former chair of the Victoria Children's Literature Roundtable, and coordinated author tours for the Canadian Children's Book Centre. I live on Vancouver Island, a windswept coast that continues to inspire me. Recent picture book, Welcome Rain!, is both a celebration of our wet weather and a testament to why rain is essential. My newest picture book is the story of a an expectant mother and daughter and their regular canoe paddles. Sibling worries about the arrival of a new baby are met with love and reassurance while exploring the wonders of nature on a lakeside setting.