My name is Lois Kennedy.  I am a writer and illustrator, living with my husband Tom and three little Shih-Tzu dogs in Connecticut.  I am grateful to be the mother of two and grandmother of three.  It is also my joy to be known as Nana Goose.  As such, I dress up and bring along my plush goose, Miss Gracie, and a basket of books to read favorite stories to children.  Often, I write poems and finger-plays to intersperse between reading stories.

     Over the years, I have served as a preschool teacher, a minister of Christian education, and a pastor.  Always, I have loved art and have dreamed of writing and illustrating books for children.  While it seemed an idle dream, I chose to continue my education by studying writing with the Institute of Children's Literature and art at Paier College of Art, and to join the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators.

     Several times, I have entered the Tassy Walden New Voices in Children's Literature competition in Connecticut and have been a finalist four times - twice in the category of Illustrator's Portfolio and twice in the category of Illustrated Picture Book. Two of my stories have also been published in children's magazines.

     Now retired from a career in ministry, I am pleased to be able to focus on writing and illustrating, to fulfill my dream of creating beautiful picture books for children, with an emphasis on kindness.

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Artist's Statement:  

     In creating gentle and joyful stories for children, I find great fulfillment.  There are precious moments of remembrance and wonder as a story unfolds, in words and in soft or vibrant watercolor paintings, or colorful collage.

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