When nature is your inspiration, the possibilities are endless.
Inspiring Curiosity & Exploration through Reading
My love of nature began with my parents, especially my dad, a geologist whose curiosity and appreciation for the natural world continue to inspire me decades after his passing. Today, I share that passion with my husband and son as we explore National and State Parks, wildlife refuges, animal sanctuaries, and other wild places together.
A Real-Life National Parks Explorer
My son has been the heart and inspiration behind the Charlie Armadillo series from the very beginning. He is the “Red” in Red Ribbit Reads, the inspiration behind my National Parks Explorer series, and a daily reminder of why I create books that inspire curiosity, kindness, and a love of the natural world. His curiosity, kindness, and love of our National Parks have shaped these stories in countless ways.
For a time, National Parks were his world. He devoured books and documentaries, completed Junior Ranger programs, collected park stamps and patches, memorized every U.S. National Park, and eagerly learned about the wildlife that called each one home. Watching his enthusiasm grow made every adventure even more meaningful.
While his interests continue to evolve, his love of nature remains as strong as ever. My husband and I are grateful to share that journey with him, and I hope Charlie inspires other children to explore, discover, and fall in love with the natural world, too.
Banff & Jasper National Parks (2014)
Rocky Mountain National Park (2017)
Okefanokee National Wildlife Refuge (2018)
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (2019)
The National Parks Encyclopedia! (2018)
Trekking the National Parks board game! (2017-Present & still playing)
National Parks t-shirt … here we are in Channel Islands (2019)
National Park stamps (Glacier Bay, 2019)
Celebrating our 10th NP @ Yellowstone (2021)
Working hard @ Wind Cave (2022)
Keeping us on the trail @ Mount Rainier (2024)
Yosemite Lower Falls (2026) – Time slow down!
Down the Trail
Long Terms Goals
My hope is that every book I create gives back—to children, to animals, or to the natural world. Dreaming big is part of the fun, and yes… I still think Charlie Armadillo would make a pretty great National Park Junior Ranger mascot someday.
Through my National Parks Explorer series, I donate $1 from every book sold, along with an annual contribution, to the National Parks Foundation. Today, Charlie Armadillo books can be found in the visitor centers at Channel Islands and Rocky Mountain National Parks, and I hope to see Magic in the Mist on the shelves at Yellowstone one day.
Giving back has become one of the most rewarding parts of this journey. In 2023, I donated my design services to help launch The Great Rescue: Grayson’s Story in support of PugHearts of Houston, a campaign that raised more than $10,000 for rescue dogs. With the support of PugHearts, Little Pug Big Heart also raised an additional $1,200 for the organization.
My goal is simple: with every book I create, I’d like to leave a small, positive mark—whether that’s inspiring a young reader, supporting a meaningful cause, or helping protect the places and animals that inspire these stories.
Red Ribbit Reads 