Acknowledgements

Over twenty years ago, I volunteered to help a woman who had a license to rehabilitate orphaned and injured wildlife. I had no idea that this was the beginning of my love affair with squirrels, those birdseed-loving rodents who have such rich, complex lives. They have been some of my best teachers and continue to enrich my life as I watch their antics.

I am forever grateful to people who devote their lives to protecting both wildlife and domestic animals and for the animal stories they have shared with me.

I owe a huge debt of gratitude to the readers of my stories. Your encouragement, reviews, attendance at book signings and loving support have kept me motivated.

Once again, Natalia Nesterova has created a cover worthy of a queen, and Silvia Hoefnagel’s interior chapter illustrations capture the magic that is Farlandia. Thank you both for bringing my characters to life in such enchanting ways.

Many thanks to the folks at Pants on Fire Press for their faith in Ozette and me: David Powers, the publisher, Cris Francet, marketing and publicity, and Leah Watkins, my editor.

My husband, Jim, deserves a standing ovation for his patience, willingness to read endless drafts of my manuscript, take over daily chores and eagerness to move us to Brevard, North Carolina, so we could watch white and gray squirrels raid our squirrel feeders every day.