I think childhood should be a colorful, giggly experience, full of memories that make you laugh again just for remembering them. With that in mind, I write and illustrate books that  (I hope) are destined to be a child's favorite. When I'm not writing my own books, I try to bring other author's words to life with can't-help-but-smile illustrations. My influence is, first and foremost, my experience as the mother of five great kids-each with a sense of humor and an infectious laugh.  And, the many years I spent running a daycare, sharing my life with dozens of kids over the years. Let's just say that I know what will grab the attention of a group of little folks, and how to make them giggle. When I'm not writing books, I write my two columns (For the Love of Dog, and On That Note) for a wildly popular local lifestyles magazine, Colorado Serenity.  Earliest influences: Curious George, by H.A. Rey; all of the Beatrix Potter books; all of Jolly Roger Bradfield's works.