The world is filled with interesting people and animals. And each of them is capable of doing something amazing. And unexpected.

  • A woman can capture unusual aspects of everyday life in photographs that remain hidden away for years.
  • One man’s vote can change the outcome of a local election and launch ripples of growth across the United States.
  • A rescued puppy can grow up to protect his fellow Civil War soldiers, and an injured octopus can find an escape route back to his ocean reef home.

These are only a few of the unique people – and animals – that fascinate me. Through my historical fiction and nonfiction picture books, I introduce readers to them and their accomplishments.

Val’s guiding purpose is to create picture books that:

  • Are fun to hear and read
  • Create a sense of play  and imagination
  • Foster a child’s individualism and self-expression