As a child, I read constantly, and some of my favorite remembrances of "early reading" were the Beatrix Potter books, all about wee mice, and other sweet creatures.  I've always loved illustrating them, and I had my own two pet mice as a 10-year old:  "Minnie," and "Beatrice."

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Now, in my sixties, I have other mice (called "Fancy Mice"), and I think they are so pretty!  The current occupants of my "mouse aquarium" are "Milly," and "Dorcas."  At right, Milly posed for me for a painting I'd had in my head for quite some time, and there's a poem that goes with this, of course.  (But you'll have to wait for me to publish my book to see that part of it!)   By the way, the "Stars & Moon" teacup & saucer, in ethereal cobalt blue, have been in my possession since the age of 13.   They're among "my favorite things."

 

(I should add that I'm also currently illustrating a sweet book my younger sister Bethany Lloyd has written, about a little flute left in its case for years, who hopes of being used again!  Stay tuned for more on that!)