Marilyn Dennehey has spent a lifetime surrounded by children, having grown up in a large family on a farm in Iowa. She really fell in love with children's books, however, by reading to her own three daughters and son from the time they were babies. This love of reading children's books continued on through her twenty eight years as a teacher of young children. A friend suggested that she write a children's book to tell Cider's story. With retirement came that opportunity, as well as for writing other stories. When not writing, she enjoys spending time with her family, which has grown to include her children's spouses, ten grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. She also enjoys gardening, swimming, and reading. Marilyn lives in Haslet, Texas with her husband, Mike. Their household also includes their dog, Lucy, two finches, and of course two cats, Smudge and Fritz.