Born in Cincinnati, Ohio. Oldest of 7 children. Moved to Los Angeles, California at age 11.

Studied art at San Fernando Valley State College at Northridge, 1964-67.

Taught preschool in L.A. City Children's Centers, 1967-68, 1969-70.

Received B.A. in Human Development, Elementary Teaching Credential and Parent Education Credential from Pacific Oaks College in Pasadena 1974, M.A in 1978.

Moved to Sierra Nevada Mountains in East central California (near Yosemite) 1974.

Substitute teacher, elementary grades, 1974-75.

Taught third grade at Columbia Elementary School, Columbia, California, 1975-78.

Moved to Milford, Pennsylvania in 1990, because of husband's job. Provides in person access to publishers in New York City.

Moved to Gualala, California, November 2001.

Family:

Gary, after 33 years as a unique U.S. Forest Ranger, is now writing, performing his Gifford Pinchot program, and persuing other creative adventures full time. For more information visit Gary's webpage.
 

Daughters:

Bethany, born 1968, married to Robert Mann, avid mountain biker. They have a young son, Jacob Albert Mann, born October 12, 1995, and live in the Santa Cruz area.  Bethany is Visual Coordinator of the Southwest and California Nordstrom Department Stores in the fragrance and cosmetic areas. (She deals with merchandising displays. All those years of her "decorating" her room instead of cleaning up are paying off!)

Sarah, born 1971, married to Nathan Stephens, storyboard animator for movies and TV commercials. They are the proud parents of Emmett Wise Stephens born May 1, 2001. Sarah is co-founder of Flashlight Books, a packaging company, author of the six Bean and Soup books, and ghost writer of many others, including Curious George.  They are living in Oakland.  More about Sarah.

 Lassen, born 1979, graduated from Rhode Island School of Design, June 2001, and is living in the Bay Area with her partner, Brian Hinch, also a RISD  grad. Brian does computer design and Lassen is working on her portfolio with the goal of illustrating children's books.

Hobbies :

Gardening, knitting, doll and stuffed toy making, and reading.