Acknowledgements

Have you ever noticed that picture books only get a dedication, but novels and chapter books get an entire acknowledgement section?! Just because I wrote a short book doesn't mean I don't have a thousand people to thank!

Sit tight and read on for all the gratitude.

Let's start at the beginning. My parents, Keith and Diane, let me read, write, draw and create to my little hearts content. My mom wrote sweet poems for all kinds of occasions when I was growing up. My dad read constantly. They were great roll models.

My big sister Kim put up with me for years. Now that I'm a mom of two, I see now what she went through as the oldest.

My teachers:

Mrs. Benning reading us Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry in the 3rd grade

Mr. Meseke for being unforgettable for 4th and 5th grade

Mrs. LaDage for seeing that my writing improved through high school

Mr. Hart for seeing my through high school

The librarians at Evans Public Library District where I had my very first job, especially Candy and Linda for inspiring me to become a librarian.

My friends from all points of my life, Sara, Tara, Laura, Sam, Joella, Sarah, Mimi, Kate, Kristen, Melissa, Rachel, and more that I will probably add later!

Of course my husband, Doug, for letting me be me in every part of my life.

And my daughters, Alice and Magnolia, who help me see life in a new way.

So, even though this book is dedicated to my dad, dozens of people helped bring it to life. Thank you to everyone for believing in me.