As the creator of this website, and the books poems and lesson plans appearing as part of it, I am aware that it is usual and customary to write a short “bio” about myself. The task seems daunting since my life, up to now, is rich with complex and diverse experiences. But… here I go.

I was born Erin O’Connor, November 5th, 1945, in Hollywood, California. The 2nd of 4 children, we were raised with middle class values by 2 intelligent, but highly dysfunctional parents. My mother was a stay-at-home mom, which was common during that era. My father worked in the fields of advertising and then television production.

Sometimes we had money, sometimes we did not. The reality made me conclude, from a very early age, that I would always work hard to support myself, married or not. In addition, I realized that I must be brave and strong to be best prepared for the unexpected and difficult challenges of life.

I was an excellent student, (not naturally I might add), and graduated from high school with honors. I attended U.C.L.A on a full scholarship, graduating in 1968. While attending this University, I worked 30 hours a week at Sears in Santa Monica, supporting myself and honing my people skills.

During the next decade, (from 1969-1979), I worked as an elementary school teacher, got married, and gave birth to 2 sons. Then came divorce, and some extreme traumas. However, I transcended all “hard knocks” and emerged triumphant, starting my own business as an in-home massage therapist in 1983. For almost 40 years I have been a very successful entrepreneur, loving every minute of a profession for which I am so well suited.

Ten years ago, when picking up my grandson from an after school program, I met Mike Goldstein. He was teaching a cartooning class and the door, for which I had been waiting, opened. You see, during my career as a massage therapist, I had a hobby… I wrote. By the time I met Mike, I had already penned 4 children’s books as well as a screen play, and many poems and/or lyrics. I asked Mike if he had ever illustrated any children’s books. At that moment, our creative partnership was born.

My books all have purpose. My characters represent bits and pieces of me and the values I hold dear… love, respect, perseverance, focus, hard work, team effort and support of family and friends. Like the Pied Piper, I wanted to help all children and adults transcend the obstacles that life has imparted upon them as they work toward a better self, a better life, and a better world.