Karen Smith-"Mimi"-is a retired child and adolescent therapist from Indiana. She and her husband, Tim, moved to Greenville, Ohio in 2022, where they now live with their daughter, Caitie, son-in-law, Josh, and two granddaughters, Lila, thirteen, and Tess, ten (along with Sassy, the dog, and two cats, Buddy and Larry). Karen (Kindig) Smith's grandfather and great-grandfather really did build round barns in Indiana! This is Karen's first adventure in writing a children's book. Her granddaughters helped her with the story. (Tess really did get a pair of shoes from Mimi!) Lila Welker is the illustrator of The Adventures of Suzie Swelker, Junior Detective. The big sister character, Penelope, is fashioned after Lila. Lila is a junior leader at school and serves diligently at church. Lila has a heart of gold! Tess Welker is the character Suzie is based on! Tess is smart and silly, and funny things just seem to happen to her! Tess brings laughter and joy into the lives of others. Tess is also a junior leader at school and serves at church. Karen is blessed to have this great family and the experiences they share together.
