Was it because she was born in the dream factory of Los Angeles, site of giant donuts and fairy tale cottages? Was it because of the outrageous stories her father told at bedtime? Maybe it was the books themselves, the fauve colors of Ludwig Bemelman's Madeline and later the droll prose of William Steig that inspired Michelle to write for children. She has imagined, and published, picture books of all stripes, from alphabet to fiction to biography.

Lesa Lockford is a professor in the Department of Theatre and Film at Bowling Green State University. She teaches courses in voice for the actor, dialects, acting, and performance studies. She is also a writer and performer. Before becoming a teacher, she was a professional actor in Great Britain where she appeared in a variety of roles in television, film, and on the stage. She trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London.