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.
Those adventures, and especially my son’s incredible curiosity about National Parks, became the inspiration for the Charlie Armadillo series. He is the “Red” in Red Ribbit Reads and a daily reminder of why I create books that inspire curiosity, kindness, and a love of the natural world.
A Growing Love of Nature
Long before Charlie Armadillo began exploring National Parks, my son was busy learning about animals and nature. He read encyclopedias, made lists of animals, and watched dozens … hundreds (?) of animal & nature documentaries when we weren’t exploring outdoors. This is a trend that continues today. In fact, we created Little Moo’s ABC Animal Haiku together during COVID, thanks to the endless facts we’d both picked up over the years! I cannot finalize any books without his approval and suggestions 😉
Banff & Jasper National Parks (2014)
Okefanokee National Wildlife Refuge (2018)
Working hard @ Wind Cave (2022)
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.
