Sharon Ellsberry is the author of five children's books, The Spaniel Family Goes to the State Fair, and The Spaniel Family's Pen Pal Adventure, The Mystery of the Spaniel Family's Dog House, The Spaniel Family's Thanksgiving, and her latest, The Spaniel Family's Time Capsule Mystery. Sharon is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, and participates in several critique groups. Her Pen Pal book was honored at the North Texas Book Festival in the spring of 2008 as a finalist for the children's book award from this group. Her State Fair book is now in its fourth printing and her Pen Pal book is in its second printing. In 2010 Her Dog House Mystery book was suggested for the master reading list for the Texas Bluebonnet award, and in 2012 the Thanksgiving book was awarded the Dove Foundation's seal of approval. Prior to the publishing of her first book, Sharon had a long career in the Gift and Decorative Accessories Industry. She owned a gift store in downtown Plano,Texas for several years and then went into the wholesale gift industry owning a showroom in the Dallas Market Center for over twelve years. Sharon has always enjoyed writing, but didn't pursue it as a career until, time in her travels as a showroom owner calling on businesses all over the state of Texas, gave her extra hours in hotels to think and write. In 2003 she decided to take some courses in writing at The University of North Texas and was encouraged by one of her professors to seek publication for her work. Her first book was released in early 2005. In addition to writing children's stories, Sharon also finds joy in writing poetry and short stories. She really likes being a visiting author at schools and doing creative storytelling with her books utilizing the student's participation. Her school programs include small skits performed by students as well as an interactive discussion on her writing and editing process including how she establishes characters, characterization, and brings character traits into her stories. This is particularly helpful to third and fourth grade students with their TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills) and the STAAR reading and writing tests. She also does creative and interactive programs for libraries and clubs. Sharon is very grateful that she could follow a new dream in her life and become a children's author. She says, "I am so honored to be a part of so many children's childhoods with my books. Being a children's author speaks to my soul."