“I wonder what/how/why…” is music to the ears of Jen Ryley Welsh. A quest always begins with questions and that means a story is destined to follow. Taking young readers and listeners on the journey from “How come…” to “I can do…” has inspired her new adventure into the world of writing. She strives to create stories where friends of all ages come together to explore, engage and encourage new ways to look at the world of which we are all an important part.

In addition to writing, Jen’s professional passions revolve around helping students sow the seeds of stewardship by connecting talents and interests with serving others. She has helped to develop service-learning projects in classrooms from kindergarten to college. Through earning a BA in Political Science from the University of Connecticut and a MA in Higher Education Administration from Boston College has come a fascination with the numerous ways we are all connected to one another and to the planet we share. She is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators and strives to be an active member of her community. Although she always had stories swirling in her head, the ABC Competition has provided her first opportunity to share her storytelling with a wide audience.

Jen enjoys living amidst the sights, smells and sounds of the Connecticut shoreline with her husband, two leprechauns cleverly disguised as children and a pair of rescued coon cats.