I’ve loved stories in rhyme since childhood, especially Thomas the Tank Engine, Winnie the Pooh and Dr Seuss. My grandad recited a humorous soccer poem to me as a boy, and now I enjoy sharing stories in rhyme with my grandchildren. Seeing their eyes light up when I read aloud inspired me to start writing my own books—some faith-based, some just plain fun—to capture those moments for other families too.

My latest book is The Big Bad Wolf’s Birthday, a humorous sequel to the classic tale of The Three Little Pigs. This time, the pigs and the wolf are older, wiser, and celebrating a birthday rather than feuding. It’s a fun, rhyming story with a happy twist that makes kids (and adults) laugh—my grandkids love hearing it at bedtime. I illustrated this book myself using watercolors, many of them done in the airport or on the plane flying back to visit my mom in the last month of her life. My original images are signed with flight details and/or locations.