It's a dream come true to be a children's book author! I love telling true tales, especially biographies, ... with a cherry on top! I became fascinated with Romare Bearden's amazing collages when I was a docent at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art where I gave tours to school groups. I loosely based the text of 'My Hands Sing the Blues: Romare Bearden's Childhood Journey' on the concept of blues music because Bearden's art and life were inspired by blues and jazz music during the Harlem Renaissance. My other picture book, based on a fascinating true story, is 'Astro the Steller Sea Lion." Rescued by Sausalito based Marine Mammal Center, Astro attached to people, including joining a school walk-a-thon! Quite the adventure! He now lives at the wonderful Mystic Aquarium. I've visited him, of course, and showed him the book. He seemed quite pleased!I studied English literature and psychology at Stanford University. I've had lots of jobs, ranging from a roller coaster ride operator to a high-tech attorney to, most recently, a Language Arts and writing workshop teacher at a public middle school.I'm thrilled to be the recipient of the 2012 International Reading Association Children's and Young Adults Book Award-Primary Non-Fiction for 'My Hands Sing the Blues'. I live in the San Francisco Bay Area. I have two terrific grown sons and a sweet black Labrador who sits at my feet when I write.Visit me at www.jeanneharvey.com. I also feature other authors' picture book biographies on my blog, TRUE TALES & A CHERRY ON TOP, at http://jeannewalkerharvey.blogspot.com