To explain more about this children's book (which I'm still working on "titling") ... as a child, I read constantly, and some of my favorite remembrances of "early reading" were books by authors such as Beatrix Potter ... anything about mice, or other sweet creatures.  I've always loved illustrating mice and birds, and as a 10-yr. old,  I had my own two pet white mice: "Minnie," and "Beatrice."

​

Now, in my sixties, I have other mice (called "Fancy Mice"), and I think they are sweet and beautiful!  I've owned mice again for the past four years, and in the Summer of 2023, I had quite a surprise when one of my little mama mice had SEVENTEEN babies here in my house!  I kept the mama "Liza" and six of her babies -- three girls and three boys.  A few have passed away, but as of this writing, I still have two sisters and two brothers who are now two years and three months old (which is elderly for mice!) I've so enjoyed their antics, their sweet companionship, and their willingness to mode for my camera at any time.  I've used many of my photos of them in the illustrations for this book.  At right is my latest:  "The Garden Mice" -- which I painted this past Summer.  (I'll share the poem I wrote to accompany it when I publish!  Sorry -- some things have to wait to !)

​