About the Author

I have been writing stories ever since I was in elementary school.  I remember my first one well.  I made up a legend about the creation of thunder, lightning, and hail.

My love of weather began in 3rd grade.  Growing up near Los Angeles, I wasn't used to "real" weather- or snow for that matter.  Well, one December morning at school it did snow!  Our principal came in and told our teacher to let us play outside.  That memory still sticks today.

Years later, as an elementary school teacher, my classes ran a school weather station.  That led me to write my first published book, The Weather Report.  It also landed me a consulting job with The Weather Channel.  And, it opened the door to television weather.  My first TV weather casting job was as a weekend weatherman in San Luis Obispo, CA- while I was teaching.

Now, years later, I have written several books on weather for children- both fiction and non-fiction.  I also have several teacher's books and science kits published on weather.  And, because my intrigue for weather has never left, I am, at times, a weathercaster for KHSL-TV in Chico.

But, weather is not the only topic I enjoy, I also love to write realistic fiction books for children on the outdoors.  I have published books out on: caving, dinosaur digs, whale rescues, ghost towns, animal encounters, and much more.  I have currently written over 70 books for children.

My national park adventure series is something I am very proud of.  The Adventures with the Parkers series currently has 4 books published taking place in: Zion/Bryce, Grand Canyon, Yosemite, and Yellowstone.  Future books in the works include: Great Smoky Mountains, Olympic, Glacier, Rocky Mountain, and more.  This series has already received national attention, awards, and excellent reviews.

I spent ten years teaching 4th and 5th grades and GATE classes.  I love visiting schools and my presentations can range from 1st - 8th grade.  Some of my most popular topics include: weather, national park adventures, writing realistic fiction, storytelling and selected readings, and topic-based science based on my books.  I am comfortable presenting to small and large groups, in workshop style, or in whole school assemblies.

Currently, I teach Child Development classes at Chico State in Northern California.  Most of my time is split between teaching, writing, and visiting schools.  I live in Chico with my wife, Kimberly, and our two cats, Clare and Katina.  When I have free time, I enjoy biking, hiking, backpacking, camping, and of course, spending time in the national parks.