Pennies' author, Lorrien Crowder, hopes this story will inspire a kinder world. Lorrien Crowder went to Lincoln Grade School in Dixon, IL-the same grade school former president Ronald Reagan went to, and to Rock Valley College in Rockford, IL, majoring in journalism and nursing. She has been a certified nurse's assistant for most of her life working in nursing homes and hospitals. She has a passion for reading and writing, and wanted to try her hand at writing. This is her first book. A big thanks to her friend, Lori Kennedy, for helping her with her computer problems and formats. She also thanks illustrator, Charles Funk, from Ottawa, IL for the great cover photo.