Acknowledgments

I would like to thank the dedicated staff at Boutique of Quality Books Publishing for their assistance and guidance with my first book: Terri Leidich, Allison Itterly, Julie Breedlove, Heidi Grauel, and Katy Whipple. And, especially Megan Miller for her patience and direction during the editing process and Delphine Lacas for the beautiful illustrations that brought the stories to life.

To the members of the Chapin Writer’s Group who listened and critiqued my stories even though I was the only children’s author in the group: Elaine, Ellen, Vonnie, Cathy, Madelyn, Sue, Laura, Phillip, Wayne, and especially to Arlene who introduced me to Terri at Boutique of Quality Books. Thank you so much for your guidance and support.

But I would particularly like to acknowledge the love and support of my family, who were the inspirations for my stories: my parents, Miriam and Clyde; my sisters, Susan and Gail; my brother, Patrick; and my grandparents, Herbert (Grandpa) and Grace (Granny) and Maxie (Papa) and Lula Mae (Grandma). Grandma helped me learn to sew my first doll quilt when I was nine or ten. To my nieces and nephews, Josh, Lauren, Claire, and Ben, with whom I shared and still share many stories as we grow together. And, to Joel, Melanie, Shannon, Ana, Tyra, and all of my extended family members and friends, thank you so much for always being there.