Hello! This is Maine children's author, Angeli Perrow. Three of my picture books, published by Down East Books, are based on true events that happened on the coast of Maine and are perfect for dog-lovers and lighthouse-lovers of every age. Why do dogs figure so often in stories of rescue and adventure? Whether it be little Spot who learned to ring the fogbell at Owls Head Light or Sirius who braved the stormy sea to pull a shipwrecked crew to safety on Boon Island, dogs are truly man's (and woman's!) best friend. Dogs are loyal, courageous, and highly intelligent. Some, like the Newfoundland, are born with an instinct to rescue anyone (or anything!)they think is in distress in the water. Dogs were a natural choice as companions to lighthouse families. My newest picture book, Love From the Sky, tells the true story of a lighthouse girl at Cuttyhunk Light off Cape Cod in the 1940s and the special gift she receives from the Flying Santa. It's a great Christmas story or any-time-of-the year book for all ages. Published by Down East Books, is Many Hands, the tale of a Penobscot Indian girl who dreams of being a master basket maker and discovers the importance of community. It features real words from the Penobscot language and the fascinating process of basket materials being prepared the Native American way. Another picture book, Dogsled Dreamer, is the true story of a Danish girl living in Greenland in the 1920s and how her dream of having her own dogsled and team came true. A popular series of chapter books for 8-12 year olds are the Key Mysteries. These include The Lightkeeper's Key, a fast-paced mystery set at a Maine lighthouse, The Whispering Key, with echoes of the Underground Railroad at a haunted farmhouse in New Hampshire, The Ghost Miner's Key, set at a ghost mine in Nevada, and The Buccaneer's Key, a tale of pirate lore and missing treasure hunters in Florida. Coming soon is the 5th book in the series, The Outlaw's Key, with gold hunting, Bigfoot, and bandits of the Old West in northern California. Celtic Thunder, my first book for teens, is the action-packed adventure of two girls who travel in Ireland on a horseback riding tour. The sequel, Celtic Tide, is set in Maine and continues the adventures of the girls and their two visitors from Ireland at Christmas time. They experience horseback riding in Acadia National Park and a ski joring competition. Besides visiting lighthouses and riding horses, I enjoy hiking, biking and kayaking in the beautiful state of Maine. Instead of watching t.v. to relax, you will find me reading a good book, especially mysteries and adventure stories. I also enjoy gardening and Irish dancing. My day job is fun and inspirational -- I am an elementary art teacher. You can find out more about me and my books at www.angeliperrow.com.