Lubbers, G.: - Gretchen Lubbers is a native of Louisville, Kentucky, and has always had a passion for both art and nature. She studied fine art and zoology in college, with an emphasis on art studio. She took a creative writing course as an elective and has had several poems published in collegiate publications, including a poem published in the Library of Congress titled, Night of Tribulation. While working as a graphic designer, her advertisements were recognized from trade publications for Advertising Excellence and Readers' Choice awards. However, she has always been passionate about the visual arts and explored various mediums from watercolor painting, photography, clay sculpting and even glass sculpting; but it is pencil illustration that she continues to gravitate to as a favorite, because the effect that one single line can create movement and expression. A creative spark was ignited inside her by her grandson, and she wanted to use her talents to give him something special for a keepsake. She combined her love of illustration and writing and began writing children's books. The characters and stories she writes about portray her love for both art and nature and are meant to inspire young readers to explore the beautiful animals and places that make up our wonderful planet, with hope that they will be the next generation to make positive changes for their future.