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Hi, thanks for visiting!
I credit a tortoise and a raccoon for bringing me into the world of children's books...
As a Minnesota native, my inspiration for writing began unexpectedly after meeting a special tortoise named Toby in Honolulu (he was once was a bit of a local celebrity in my hometown of Saint Paul). Also unexpectedly, my inspiration for illustrating began while watching the #mprraccoon climb a skyscraper blocks away from my neighborhood.
Those two chance encounters led to my debut middle-grade novel Galápagos or Bust! and picture book Raccoon! Raccoon! along with dozens of other stories currently in the works.
In addition to being an author and illustrator, my experience with Educational Programming at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory has led me to develop unique and fun curriculum that inspires kids to write their own stories... I love school and library visits!
But mostly, I'm a lucky dad and husband...