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I write humorous picture books and poetry for children. Most of my writing is realistic fiction with an emphasis on children's emotions. I have also been known to delve into fantasy in my poems. I love word play and find that it makes its way into much of my writing.I started writing in journals as a child and then began writing poetry. In college I took a course with novelist Alison Lurie in writing children's literature. She encouraged me to keep writing.I earned a master's degree in clinical social work and worked for a few years as a child psychotherapist and parent counselor before my twins were born. We moved to Israel when the boys were a year old, and I continued to work in children's mental health clinics. I wrote stories and poetry in my spare time.I am back in the U.S. and writing exclusively. I have several completed pb manuscripts and am actively submitting to publishers. My poem titled "My Kittycat" was published in the January 2008 issue of Stories for Children Magazine and chosen for the anthology of best works for that year (due out soon). "Fairy's Visit" was published in the May 2008 issue. I'm honored to have won honorable mention in the SCBWI's February 2008 writer's contest ("Blind Date"). You can see my entry at http://www.scbwi.org/ under "contest". In March 2009 I had a poem, "Rainbow Fruit" published in Kidzwonder online magazine; and in June 2009, I had two poems published in a poetry anthology called Meanderings by Diversion Press. Another of my poems will be published in the SCBWI Bulletin sometime this year or next. For many years, the Tooth Fairy has been leaving my three children poems whenever one of them loses a tooth. Here's one she left my son:

Hi there, Buddy—it’s been a while!
Lost a tooth? But I still see your smile.
How did it happen—did it just fall out?
Or did you need someone else to poke about?

Oh yes, I think I heard—this time it was your mother.
I’m being very careful to leave my note for you, not your brother.
Sometimes it gets confusing, you know, with twins.
I had a mix-up once that ended in frowns, not grins.

Well, anyway, I have a hunch
That tomorrow or the next day, while you’re eating lunch,
Another tooth in your mouth might just fall
Because it’s loose! (I could tell when I came to call.)

So in all probability, I’ll be seeing you soon.
I’m sure it will be ‘fore the next full moon.
So smile, my lad, and enjoy your vacation—
If you want to see me, use your imagination!

Love you,

The Tooth Fairy

And another:

Woo hoo, the fairy’s back,
It’s been almost forever!
I thought I might not make it,
but luckily I’m clever.

I knew I dare not fly
in this frigid, freezing air;
for my wings would turn to ice,
and I’d get a real scare.

So I had to make a plan
to allow my safe arrival
and avoid this awful weather
to ensure my own survival.

So what do you think I did?

Well, I wrapped my wings in fur and fleece
and wore long underwear.
Then I hopped a flight on US Air
But no one saw me there.

Cause fairies are invisible
and do not need a seat.
On planes we flutter all around,
and help ourselves to eat.

But anyway, now back to you.
I heard your tooth was yanked;
and by an orthodontist
who expected to be thanked!

You agreed, with one demand--
just six more cards from Mom.
Your collection grew some more
and you were pretty calm.

So here I am to tell you “Wow!”
You’re awesome, big, and bold.
I hope to see you soon again,
but when it’s hot, not cold.

Yours, with love as always,

The Tooth Fairy

I write humorous picture books and poetry for children. Most of my writing is realistic fiction with an emphasis on children's emotions. I have also been known to delve into fantasy in my poems. I love word play and find that it makes its way into much of my writing.I started writing in journals as a child and then began writing poetry. In college I took a course with novelist Alison Lurie in wri... More