Lisa LauraFor the past 23 years, I have had the great experience of working in an elementary school in New Jersey USA. I began this journey as a Pre-School and Kindergarten Certified Paraprofessional. At present I now serve as a school secretary. The experiencs have left me with several stories, which are still jumping around in my head. Writing stories for grades K-2 is what I enjoy the most. I have been able to combine my passion for poems with my love for both children and teaching. Words that rhyme are not only fun, but have been proven to be a very important part of reading success.I am a mother of three and Yaya to four amazing grandchildren. Reading to my children in their early years brought me immeasurable joy. Now, as I read to my grandchildren, I experience the most precious moments a grandmother can ever hope to have. Watching their expressions and building anticipation with each turn of the page reminds me of my own love for reading.I remember being an avid reader at a very young age; always making my mother take out the maximum number of books allowed from the library... It was never enough! Throughout my adolescence I discovered a passion for writing poems and song lyrics. This however was short lived. My poems were criticized by my peers who insisted they were plagiarized. As an adult I realized it was a great compliment. My first short story was inspired by my youngest daughter's school anxiety. When I read her the story her eyes watered and she said with excitement, This is about ME! We discussed the issue and how I would always protect her even when she wasn't in my immediate sight. Right then and there I knew I wanted to write for children, and in some way touch their little hearts. Read More Read Less