There were two major influences for me behind becoming a children's book author: lots and lots of reading to my daughter, and guinea pigs. I have always had the ability to make up stories, ever since I was a child myself. It occurred to me, after about two years of reading chapter books out loud, that I could write a chapter book too. It also occurred to me that I could make a funny story out of the antics and personalities of our guinea pigs, Maggie and Peanut, starting with a question of "what if"? What if they could talk... and it went from there. I believe children will respond to humor and this will encourage reading, especially in reluctant readers. I hope to spread the word about Teddy and Pip and share laughter and fun with kids everywhere.