Although born in New Jersey, far away from the Texas Hill Country, I’ve lived with my husband and two sons in Houston, TX for the last twenty two years. My sons, true Texans, would never dream of picking (or eating) the bluebonnets. In our family, bluebonnets go with Austin, and Austin goes with Longhorns…and that’s just about sacred!
I can’t remember exactly when I began to write, but my first “published” piece was when friends copied a song I wrote about a teacher and passed it around. If I recall, it wasn’t my best work and didn’t earn me any extra points with the teacher. However, I’ve been writing ever since. I have a BA in elementary education and an M Ed. in special education and have enjoyed working with children in different capacities for over thirty years. Some of my best ideas for stories have come directly from my work with children who are the best inspiration for everything from humor to pathos.
Ellen Rothberg and I have been writing together for many years. While teaching together, we realized we were rewriting math problems, making up stories, and constantly writing poems and riddles to help teach our students and get them motivated. Realizing our mutual love of writing and children, we began to write together. Although we don’t teach together any more, the team of “Ellen and Ellen” continues to write and have written a novel for middle grades, several plays, and of course, Don’t Eat the Bluebonnets. We’re looking forward to spreading Sue Ellen’s message about respect for nature and to continue writing for and working with children.
I wrote and illustrated my first children’s book with a friend at the age of 7, and although I no longer draw the pictures, I still like to write with a friend, Ellen Leventhal. I am a former elementary school teacher. I am currently at work on a master’s degree in school counseling, and whether it’s counseling, teaching, or writing, I love children. I love writing with children and helping them express their ideas and feelings.
I was born in Brooklyn, New York and moved to Dallas, Texas where my husband attended law school. We moved to Houston in 1984 and have lived here ever since. We have two children attending college and the idea for Don’t Eat the Bluebonnets was hatched during a visit to our daughter at Texas A & M University. I wondered out loud about the cows eating the bluebonnets, and in the best tradition of that old Texas legend, thought it might be against the law for cows to eat them. I like to think of Sue Ellen as an Aggie, but I can’t tell that to Ellen Leventhal whose family favors that “other” Texas college.
I hope to continue writing with the other “Ellen” which is rewarding and lots of fun. Whatever the future holds, I know it will include creative writing and working with children.