MARY KAREN BRADLEY SHANKS comes from a small place called Big Lick, Tennessee. She grew up on a farm where she learned the value of hard work, honesty, and magical dreams. She became a 1st grade teacher and used her magical dreams to inspire 6-year-olds. Karen's love for children and their unique way of looking at life inspired her to write stories about those children. She still lives in Big Lick, and she still has magical dreams.