Growing up in a small Wyoming town, I always felt a pull towards the wider world. Even in that peaceful setting, I knew there were bigger experiences waiting for me. My journey into children’s publishing began in 1998, driven by a desire to translate my artistic messages into engaging reading experiences. My goal was, and still is, to create what you might call The Family Book – stories that explore acceptance, celebrate differences, and empower children to feel good about themselves in a simple and fun way. However, developing my signature style and becoming a recognized voice for emotional wisdom and positive relationships for young readers was not an overnight process.
In high school, art was my true passion, yet I ironically failed art class. This setback significantly impacted my confidence and initially deterred me from pursuing art further. I navigated various jobs, always feeling drawn back to my original dream of painting. The inner conviction that being an artist was my life’s purpose kept me going.
After facing rejections from galleries, a turning point arrived when I had the opportunity to exhibit my work at Postrio, one of Wolfgang Puck’s restaurants in San Francisco, California, my home for the last 25 years. This exhibit, fueled by a combination of luck and persistence, opened doors to numerous opportunities, including creating merchandise for Macy’s and eventually launching my own children’s clothing line. From there, as they say, the rest is history. Creating books is incredibly enjoyable for me, and I am deeply gratified knowing that they contribute to children’s well-being, helping them feel better about themselves in an entertaining and lighthearted manner. With over 40 books published and more on the horizon, it’s been wonderful to see them embraced by millions of kids and families. It has been a long and winding road since that failed art class, and I am grateful to have so many fans along for this incredible journey.
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