About the Author

 I was watching a documentary on martial arts—an elderly man in traditional fighting garb seemed to be effortlessly throwing around opponents half his age. This is when I realized what I wanted to do for the next stage of my life: I was two months shy of getting a degree in journalism, and instead of working for a daily, weekly, or some tabloid, I knew when I got out of school I was headed to Japan.

While teaching English to support my “habit” of aikido, I discerned that being an ESL educator was an endeavor I thoroughly enjoyed. I was able to impart my knowledge of the English language and American culture on to eager, hard-working students. More importantly, I realized that I was also being educated on the workings and intricacies of another civilization, one that was at the same time similar and yet very different from my own.

In between teaching gerunds and infinitives, getting thrown on the dojo mat, and hanging out in sushi dive bars perfecting my chopstick skills, I began to write and illustrate—I’m not sure what triggered it, but about halfway through my pro-longed stay in the land where I traded in my bowl of cereal to eat rice and fish for breakfast, ideas just started popping into my head. I won minor recognition in a couple of picture book contests for Henry the Hippo Goes to Honduras, and Bee My Friend.
Okay, so where did I get the idea for Legend of the Lost Maori? After spending twelve fantastic years in Japan, I decided to take a break from teaching and study art in Auckland. I became immersed in the unique culture, first by living with several Maoris—the indigenous people of New Zealand. I visited places like the city Rotorua where I watched warriors with facial tattoos perform a traditional Haka war dance. I also frequented the War Memorial Museum and learned a lot about ancient Maori culture. This was where I first saw a life-sized replica of a giant Moa, which was about twice the height of an ostrich! Unfortunately, these magnificent birds went extinct about 500 years ago, but their spirit still lives on. It was on a hike in the squishy mud of a primeval forest of giant ferns and several hundred-year-old Kauri trees, when I came up with the idea for Legend of the Lost Maori.

I returned to the U.S. to get his master’s degree in Education. I now live and work within walking distance of one of the most picturesque beaches in California. I’m a full-time ESL instructor and teacher-trainer at the University of California, San Diego School of Extended Studies.

I believe that through sharing my stories and myths of other cultures children and others will better understand the people, and flora and fauna of the world.