Long ago, when my now adult children were in elementary school, there was a little girl named “Cassie” that asked me about the story of “Roleo and Jumiet.” I replied, “oh they are little mice that live in Ireland! Cassie, I think you mean Shakespeare’s Romeo, and Juliet!” And so, in that little school room on a sunny afternoon, Roleo and Jumiet, and the love story of the little Acorn family was born. It would be many years later for that little mouse story to come to life.

When I sat down to begin illustrating the story, I wanted to write about what I knew best, the stories of my children and the memories of their growing up. The moments that became traditions, and the warmth they provided in my aging years.

Each illustration is a memory shared from my children, Justin and Heather, and my husband Rob. They are specific to what we experienced in our home – brought to life through illustrations and story.  These illustrations are inspired by my long love and travels in County Kerry, Ireland, and Ceann Sibeal (Sybil Head) on the Dingle Peninsula where I was able to spend a month living in the beautiful countryside, walking the hills and beaches. The stories of Roleo, Jumiet, Olivia and Oliver are now yours to experience and maybe start new traditions of your own.

Thank you, my family, for giving me so many stories to share through art and writing.

MAY YOUR ADVENTURES, BRING YOU JOY!