Sandra V. Feder, author of the Daisy series, has wanted to write children's books since she was in third grade. That's when her school librarian began introducing the students to local authors. Sandra had always loved playing with words and meeting authors gave her a glimpse into the world of creating stories for children.After graduating from Stanford University, Sandra began her writing career in journalism. She worked as a news clerk in Washington, D.C., for The New York Times, and then as a reporter for several newspapers in California. "Writing for newspapers taught me the power of words and the importance of using words well," Sandra says.After she married and had children, Sandra wrote a column for a local newspaper about the joys, frustrations, and funny moments parents share. She also joined a writing group, many of whose members wrote for young readers.That prompted her to try writing for children herself. "My mother, who was an elementary school teacher, was extremely creative and loved books," she says. "When I was young, she always encouraged me to make up stories that I told to my younger brother at bedtime." Now, Sandra draws inspiration from her own children's younger years.In the Daisy series, Sandra encourages a passion for words in the next generation. "I want kids to relate to Daisy and to develop their own love of words and language," she says. "I hope to see every child carrying a green notebook that is covered with purple polka dots and filled with favorite words!"Like Daisy, Sandra has a sweet tooth and likes everything, except licorice, on Daisy's Sweetest Words list.Sandra lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her family.Author photos courtesy of Steve Maller Photography