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Hello! I'm Jennifer.
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When I was little, I used to write and illustrate stories, just for fun.
Today, I write children's books professionally, and it's still fun!
My first published book, "Way Out in the Desert" (Rising Moon 1998) - which is still in print - was inspired by the Sonoran Desert, where I lived for much of my life.​​​
Spending time outdoors - observing, listening and wondering about wild things in nature - especially wild things with feathers - gives me ideas for the stories I write for children.
Before I became an author I was an elementary teacher, and it was actually an author's visit to the school where I was teaching that inspired me to try publishing my own stories.
I've been writing books for children for close to 30 years now, and I currently write full-time from my home in Illinois where I live with my husband, a chihuahua, and a crazy cattle dog.
I love to visit schools, libraries and nature centers - sharing my books and inspiring others to enjoy books, writing, and all of the "wild things" in nature. Thanks to them, we get the gift of curious and wonder. Right?
My Author Visits page has info. about my visits. Hope to meet you!
You Never Know the Power of
an Author's Visit!
If you're ever in Buckeye, Arizona, check out the Coyote Branch! There Was a Coyote Who Swallowed a Flea is integrated into the library's architecture!
Thank you for visiting!
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