I was born into a family of storytellers, from Grandpa on down. The aunts and uncles were some of the best. I took my place beside a bundle of mischievous cousins. From early days, Mom and Dad biked me to the beach, to ice cream shops, to the movies. Many of my stories start there, in memories of special places, with love and ice cream.

Teaching elementary school was a joyful way to continue sharing stories. Coaching students, and later teachers, in literacy activities across the curriculum, showed me the power of words to build confidence, expand knowledge, and develop empathy. Books bring us together.

- Martha Simmons, Children’s Book Author