If you are looking for fun things to do for--or with--kids, KIDDING AROUND books point out cool places to go and interesting things to try, all tried and described by local authors. The books feature puzzles, word searches, and pages to color and suggest exciting activities, events, and places to go. Some also contain money-saving coupons for area restaurants and attractions. Maps, photos, and illustrations.
I was born in Cleveland, Ohio, and grew up mostly in New York state. I went to college in New England and graduate school in California.
The first book I ever read by myself was called Little Bobo and His Blue Jacket. I still have it. I learned to read when I was three, but I know now that this doesn't mean much. My brother didn't really read until he was seven, and now he reads more and remembers it better than I do.
I have a husband, two grown children, and two crazy Jack Russell terriers.
I teach Italian and other subjects at Vanderbilt University, but I've handed in my resignation and plan to retire in May, 2012, to write full time. I love doing school visits and hope that when my schedule doesn't mean that I'm working while kids are in school, I'll be able to do more of them.
I like to travel, especially to Italy, and especially with my family. I used to skydive (that's how I met my husband, but on the ground, not in the air!) but I haven't jumped out of an airplane in a long time.
