I am the author of more than 180 books for children. I've published books in every genre and age group, from board books to YA, including more than 50 middle grade novels, YA, and chapter books; over a dozen picture books; nearly 30 easy readers; and more than 50 nonfiction books. I've been a full-time writer of traditionally-published children's books for more than 40 years. I illustrated Scrapbooking Just for You (Sterling) with original art projects and created the cartoon illustrations for my novel Rebel McKenzie.  I have an MFA in Writing for Children from Vermont College and an MA in Children's Literature from Hollins University. I've been on the faculty of Hollins University's graduate program in children's literature for 16 years.