ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Dreams are amazing things. They always seem to happen when we least expect it. And now, I can’t believe
the good things that are happening in my life. I have wanted to be an author since I was in kindergarten, so
I want to take a moment and thank everyone who helped make my dreams come true. To Mrs. Devenuti,
my high school English teacher, who believed that I was destined to become an author. To the entire crew at
St. John’s University, in Queens, New York, especially their fantastic English department. Thank you for my
three degrees in English; I cherish them more than you can imagine. (I used to refer to you as the “dream
factory.” You didn’t know that, did you?) To the entire crew at Long Island University, New York. Thank you
for my two other degrees (one in library science, the other in education). Studying at your wonderful insti-
tution was always a joy and a privilege (and it led to a pretty good career, too). To Stony Brook University,
New York: thank you for my Advanced Graduate Certificate in Creative Writing, and thank you for teach-
ing me how to write children’s picture books.
To Dr. Deborah Levitov (at Teacher Librarian), for publishing me first (Deb, you gave me my first “big
break,” and I’ll never forget it). To Mrs. Sharon Coatney, at Libraries Unlimited, for agreeing to publish my
first two books (Sharon, you made two enormous dreams come true).
To my beloved friends Tycho and Oscar (now departed). I miss you more than you can imagine (and I see
you often in my dreams). To my parents, who read to me before I went to sleep: Charlie and the Chocolate
Factory; Charlotte’s Web; and Stuart Little, to name just a few. I’m not sure I have ever enjoyed books more
than I enjoyed those. To my four grandparents, with their beautiful Irish brogues. And, as always, to my
beloved Michelle. For making all my dreams come true. I love you all.
