About the Author-Illustrator

Babbles Bizarre About the Author
	Donna L. Williams Donna Williams was born in rural New England, the second child of three girls. As a young girl, she dreamed of becoming a school teacher, due to her love of children. Her college goal was interrupted by love, and followed by a beautiful wedding. Between her husband's family and her sisters, she is Aunt Donna to approximately 30 girls and boys who all love her very much. Donna's wit and happy, child-like personality made her a natural for the creative writing of children's books. Her full time profession is team driving an 18-wheeler across the country with her husband, and her little white trucker dog, Ruby. She loves this traveling lifestyle, and has many hours to use her writing talent. Babbles Bizarre is her first children's story.
About the Teacher Editors
	Amanda Hayes 1st Grade Teacher Miss Amanda Hayes obtained her BA in Literature and Writing Studies in 1997, and her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential in 1998, from California State University, San Marcos. Her work with children includes ownership and operation of the Auntie Gail's House child care center, participating as a reading tutor for physically and mentally challenged students at Hope University, teaching kindergarten, first grade, and fourth grade, as well as authorship of several children's stories. Miss Hayes developed her school's First Annual Writing Contest, taught summer Writing Seminars, and additionally created and implemented Young Author workshops for students in grades 4-8. Currently, Miss Hayes is working to complete her Masters in Literature and Writing Studies. Her passions for children, education, and literature continue to inspire her daily.
	Linda Helgevold 3rd Grade Teacher Mrs. Linda Helgevold Growing up in a tiny town in Iowa, I have always had an intense passion for reading and writing. I graduated from Manning High School, Manning, Iowa, in 1974 (one of 56 graduates!). I went on to the University of Iowa where I received a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1978. I became a counselor and coach (volleyball, cheerleading, and track) at an all-girl catholic high school called St. Mary's Academy from 1978-1986. Following my move to California, I went to the University of California, Irvine, to receive my teaching credential. I began teaching as a Title I teacher for Garden Grove Unified in 1988 and continue to this day. Presently, I am sharing a third grade classroom, and loving every minute of it! On a dare from my brother, a screenwriter, I began writing. I was accepted at the Institute of Children's Literature and completed coursework for their basic program as well as their Master's program. I have written one middle-grade novel, titled Me and Lizzie B, as well as several short stories and a few articles for children. I am happily married to my husband of 13 years, Kevin, and we have two children, Megan, who is 11, and Sam, who is 9. We reside in Irvine, CA.
About the Illustrator
Len Gatdula Len Gatdula has been an artist since he was old enough to hold a pencil. He has always loved drawing and creating characters and places that could only exist in his imagination. Never formally trained, his only education in art came from his inspirations---films, animation, books, comics, and the work of popular fine and commercial artists. He realized that he was destined to do something with his talent when, as a fifth grader, his cartoons and biography were featured in a statewide Arizona newspaper, followed by an interview for a local television newscast. What began then as an introverted child's hobby turned into a professional pursuit nearly a decade ago when Len landed a job as a staff artist for a major video game publisher in Southern California. Since that time, his art has been featured in several mediums---interactive games for the home and arcade entertainment venues, print work, the web, and most recently, here---as a proud PLAYBOOKS illustrator! Len is hopeful that his work will appeal to young readers, parents, and teachers everywhere that benefit from using the unique PLAYBOOKS format of learn-to-read materials in their homes and schools. As an avid reader himself, he welcomes the opportunity to accent PLAYBOOKS stories with fun, colorful art that is just one hallmark of this innovative and "edu-taining" product! Len lives in Southern California with his fiancée Maryanne and their three children, Drew, Alyssa, and Ethan, where he continues to create art for all ages.
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