Although Frances’ first book was published in 2001 when she was 67, her entire life has embraced learning, literacy and helping children grow to be strong adults. A Midwesterner, Frances’ mother was the town librarian – Frances’ library card number was 7. Her father wrote informative, humorous columns for the local newspaper. She has strong memories of another librarian, Ms. Jeanpert, who always spoke with her, not as a child, but as a person with her own thoughts.
Frances completed graduate work in Child Development, worked as a preschool teacher for many years and married a teacher. Together they raised five children, who still quote Dr. Suess to each other. (It drives their spouses crazy.) The love of words, humor and rhyme continues in the grandchildren.
Frances has balanced her creative, home and family-based life with years of adventurous travel through dozens of countries, and with driving, camping and motorcycling trips in the US.
A reviewer says “Frances knows children well; their love of nonsense, their feeling for rhyme and rhythm”. She believes in the value of the written word and the need to challenge children as they grow.
Recently, Frances received a Maine Literary Award in the Children’s Division for her recent publication Beau Beaver Goes to Town.
