KATHY STINSONdiscovered books at the tender age of three, and was immediately hooked. At home in 1981 with two preschoolers of her own, a vague "maybe some day I will write" translated into action. Her children inspired and feature in her first two books: Red Is Best (1982) and Big Or Little? (1983).

Kathy's other books include two novels for young adults, Fish House Secrets (1992) and One Year Commencing (1997), and two "Pebble Creek" chapter books (1987,1994).

Kathy has travelled extensively giving readings to young fans and conducting workshops for children and adults. In 1987 she visited England as part of an international exchange of children's authors. In 1996 she received a Bicentennial Civic Award of Merit from the City of Scarborough, in recognition of her "outstanding contributions and achievements which have brought honour to the City".

The little boy who inspired Big Or Little? is now a computer technician in Toronto. His sister, of Red Is Best fame, is pursuing her interest in debating and Economics at the University of Guelph.

Kathy lives in Everton, a hamlet outside of Guelph, with her partner Peter Carver.

To find out more about Kathy Stinson and her books, check out her website at www.kathystinson.com