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Let me bore you with this TRUE intro line: I knew I wanted to write and illustrate children's picture books since I was 9 years old. I knew it.

I garnished up courage to mumble the following most excellent phrase to my mother (after weeks of "knowing" and wanting to share - my ambition, my goal, my calling in LIFE).

Scene, me age 9, just changed my little brother's diaper, Mom is distracted. I'm about to tell Mom THE MOST IMPORTANT THING I HAD EVER KNOWN.

Young me: "Mom?"

Mom: "Uh-huh?"

Young me: (Clears throat, then mumbles.Quickly)
"Mom-I- want-to-illustrate-for-the-public?"

Yes, ending with a question. But do catch me a break. This was HUGE news to blurt out.

Mom, responding: "What?"

Young me: (mumbles, still) "Nothing."

That was the beginning of my over-the-top (ahem) career.
I still like the pure oddity of putting together a sentence that included "for the public." I'll never forget that moment, the build- up, then the agony of self-defeat.

For now, I live in Portland, Oregon with my husband (Hans-Christian), my crazy tall and sensitive and silly son, Sebastian - age 10, and two gassy Boston Terriers - Otto and Violet.

FEEDING THE SHEEP, written by the wonderful Leda Schubert came out March, 2010.

I am trying to finally finish illustrating the next book - a book written by Marissa Moss. Can't wait to see the book - and am so happy I get to work with Joanne Taylor at Tricycle Press. I had to illustrate this book in record time, so it can be on the shelves by summer 2011. Fingers crossed. I think I see the end of the tunnel... here on my 43rd birthday, August 16th, 2010. OK. Back to work on the book. Right... NOW.

Let me bore you with this TRUE intro line: I knew I wanted to write and illustrate children's picture books since I was 9 years old. I knew it. I garnished up courage to mumble the following most excellent phrase to my mother (after weeks of "knowing" and wanting to share - my ambition, my goal, my calling in LIFE). Scene, me age 9, just changed my little brother's diaper, Mom is distracted. I... More