I grew up in the woods of Northern Minnesota on a small country farm. Wandering along wooded pathways traveled by white-tailed deer and exploring the shores of small lakes and streams sparked my curiosity and enhanced my appreciation for the natural world from a very young age. My introverted nature seemed a match for many hours spent in quiet observation. Having two parents that valued honest relationships, education, working hard, and helping out your neighbor was also an influence for which I am most grateful. And perhaps it was growing up third in a family of two girls and two boys that taught me the rudiments of getting along with others. During my college years in the early 1970's as I consciously prepared myself for a teaching career, I was unconsciously preparing myself for life. Although I did in fact teach elementary grades for a few years, most of my adult career has been spent in the human services field, most recently as a family outreach social worker. Having a family of my own (I am married, with two grown children) and a personal stake in the future has made my early desires to live in harmony with the Earth and with each other that much more important. This, I believe, is what drives my life and my creative process.

Shortly after Sky Castle was published, it was named Book of the Week by Embracing the Child, an organization that offers information on children's books to students, parents and teachers.

Sky Castle is a 1999 Children's Choice Selection, and was a finalist in the 1999 Benjamin Franklin Awards in the category of Best New Voice.

Sandra Hanken's Webpage
Visit me on my webpage for a closer look inside "Sky Castle" and an opportunity to order signed copies. Also meet my family and take a tour of my backyard!

Illumination Arts Publishing Co, Inc.
Visit Illumination Arts website, publisher of "Sky Castle" for more information on the book, the author, and the illustrator, Jody Bergsma.