About-Chi sono?

Short Bio

Why I Write About Nature and Animals: A Love Rooted in Storytelling

As a baby boomer, my love for nature and animals began long before I had a smartphone in my pocket or a YouTube video at my fingertips. I grew up in a time when the world felt a little slower, a little quieter—and somehow, more alive. My imagination was fed not by algorithms, but by the stories I watched on our old black-and-white TV: The Beverly Hillbillies, Ma and Pa Kettle, and Doctor Dolittle, where animals talked and humans listened. Those shows weren’t just entertainment—they were my early teachers in curiosity, laughter, and the magic of everyday life.

And then there was The Ed Sullivan Show. I still remember laughing so hard at Phyllis Diller’s wild hair and zany humor—honest-to-goodness belly laughs, the kind that feel rare these days. Sometimes I wish I could turn back time, just for a moment, to let my grandchild experience how fun life was back then. No cell phones. No internet. Just stories, family, nature, and imagination.

That’s why I write the way I do—about animals, wild places, and the quiet kind of adventure that still lives outside four walls. I want kids to fall in love with the world around them, not just the one on a screen. I want them to believe, like I did, that maybe—just maybe—that robin in the garden or cat on the windowsill has something to say.

Because they do. And I’m here to listen—and to pass it on.

As a nature-loving adventurer and children’s book author, my life has been an exhilarating journey. Originally hailing from Ottawa, I developed a deep fascination for wildlife while chasing after wild animals in the swamps. Although I initially aspired to become a veterinarian, my path took an unexpected turn when I relocated to Italy.

I pursued my passion for nature in Italy by earning a BS in Environmental Sciences and Territorial Management. This educational experience further ignited my love for writing about and illustrating the natural world and its diverse wildlife.

As an active member of several professional organizations, including SCBWI, a former 12×12 member, ICWA (Italian Children’s Writers Association), and the Children’s Book Academy, I continually seek growth and connection within the industry. I engage with fellow writers and storytellers.

Despite my affinity for all creatures, I admit that my six cats can be the most challenging animals to handle. When not wrangling my feline friends, I spend time writing, doodling, playing with clay, and exploring the enchanting Italian countryside with my husband. I also love preparing homemade pasta and showcasing my culinary skills.

My debut Picture Book ‘Jurassic Rat’ was published by Spork- Clear Fork Publishing on June 4th, 2019. Ecco il mio primo libro pubblicato per l’infanzia. Età 5-8 anni da una casa editrice Statunitense.

Here’s the longer biography.

I love nature and its secrets. You’ll often find me in the woods holding a basket full of herbs, admiring the trees, flowers or the blue sky, and listening to all creatures.

I love adventure. If I find a cave, I want to explore it. I love visiting castles and underground passages. I know, they may seem creepy, but as soon as the tour guide turns the other way, I’m gone, heading for the secret passages.

I have a lot of hobbies. I miei hobby.

• Ceramics, Ceramica,
• Painting, Pittura,
• Horseback riding, Equitazione,
• Scuba diving, Sub,
• Gardening, Giardinaggio,
• Hiking, Escursionismo,
• Swimming, Nuoto,
• Sowing, Cucito,

And of course, writing and illustrating books for children.

I’ve been writing for a few decades. Not being able to personally attend workshops, I bought many books on creative writing and participated in online courses to hone my craft. It has been a long journey.

As for illustrating, I’ve been doodling since I was six years old. I took many art classes in the past 30 years – I attended community center night classes, bought a bunch of books, DVD’s and surfed the web for ‘How to’ demonstrations on YouTube.

The best courses I virtually attended are the CBA’s Illustrating for Kids class with Dr. Mira Reisberg, Make Art That Sells and Marks and Splashes, How to be a Children’s Book Illustrator, an exciting online course by award-winning author and illustrator Mark Mitchell.

I have experimented with different art techniques and mediums. My favorite mediums are acrylics and watercolor.

If you’re not bored yet, I’ll let you know a little more about ME.

I was born in Ottawa, Canada, on Christmas Day. I lived with a French family with my two sisters.

My mom was a single parent and couldn’t take care of all three of us. We moved in with our mom when we were much older.

At the age of sixteen, I had finished high school. I had skipped a few years; I guess I was a bright little girl.

My high school counselor suggested I continue my studies, but the university counselor thought I was too young to attend and suggested I go to college. We couldn’t afford college at the time. Therefore, my dream vanished of becoming a veterinarian.

I moved out when I was sixteen.

I rented a bachelors apartment, 400 kilometers from home, owned by a Vet. On weekends, I would help him out in the clinic. It was like a dream come true.

I worked at a clothing store at the time, and when they had their yearly fashion show, they asked me to be a model.

Then I found a better-paid job in an Italian-run business, in the sales and purchasing department, where I eventually met my Italian husband. I attended night classes in college – C.E.G.E.P. in Three Rivers – Québec, in accounting, to further my career in the company.

We got married on a snowy day in November 1980 and then moved to Italy. That was a long time ago.

My hubby and I at a wedding.

In 1982, I had my first child, a girl. My little boy was born in 1986.

For twenty years, I helped out at the family-run bakery. Then my hubby became allergic to flour, ironic, isn’t it? So, we opened a computer shop when there was the big boom in computer technology. Now we have a family-run machining shop.

Oh! I’m a grandma. Sono una nonna!

This is about it, folks.