About the Author:
Jackie Mims Hopkins

The first book I can remember reading as a child is The Cat In The Hat Comes Back by Dr. Suess. I loved the rhythm and the silliness of the words. Dr. Suess's books were fast-paced, like me. I didn't enjoy reading any book of length because I was so hyperactive and couldn't sit still long enough to read. I liked picture books, but when I was old enough to begin reading chapter books, I continued to only want picture books that I could finish quickly. Who would have ever imagined that a kid who had no interest in reading would someday become a teacher and, later, a librarian, who adores books? It was more than twenty years ago in a college children's literature class that I first fell in love with books.

My first published book, Tumbleweed Tom on the Texas Trail, was written as a teaching tool when I was a kindergarten teacher, but The Horned Toad Prince was written just for the fun of it! As a librarian, I continue to provide books for my teachers and students to help them with school curriculum, but I also enjoy entertaining them by reading aloud and story telling. I hope to write more books that teachers will find useful in their teaching, but it is also my desire to write books that will enchant and delight children of all ages. Hopefully, students won't have to wait until they are in college to discover the magic and joy found in these books.