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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Once upon a time … Staci J. Allen, middle child of Jim and Margaret, was born in Altus, Oklahoma; moved to Wyoming country; became a California girl; then settled for the Colorado mountains before landing in the Kansas plains … all before the age of 6. Just a small town girl, Staci and her sisters grew up surrounded by wheat fields, sunflowers, and all things Kansas. Her love for books began early as she took delight in immersing herself into the characters of the books that she read. Claudia (Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E Frankweiler), Margaret (Are You There, God?), and Laura (Little House on the Prairie) … all became instant friends on hot summer afternoons and wintry cold days when school was not in session. |
Late into her teen years, she met and married Rick, her happily-ever-after. They drove off into the sunset and settled in Oklahoma where -- over the course of the years -- they added three beautiful princesses to their castle. During this time, Staci worked in the education department of a nearby college and eventually found herself working as an elementary school secretary. Surrounded by school-aged children and teachers, a seed was planted and her love for children’s books began to grow. Eventually, Prince Charming’s job moved them to Lee’s Summit, Missouri, where they have resided since 1996. It was in Lee’s Summit, that Staci accepted a position as a preschool teacher. Immediately, she fell in love with these little people. Bringing characters to life as she read stories took on a new passion for her as she watched them connect to the characters in a book. “Someday”, she thought, “Someday I will write a children’s book.” Staci continued her career working with preschoolers as she traded in her teaching position for that of a Preschool Program Coordinator in Children’s Ministry. Working with children, volunteers, and families, she delighted in sharing and showing God’s love in creative ways that opened hearts and minds to a message of everlasting love. After 15 years serving in the area of preschool ministry, Staci found a new passion in caring ministries. Currently, she serves as the Director of Caring Ministries at her church. Gifted with a heart of compassion and mercy, Staci shares her gifts with individuals who are experiencing life challenges and celebrations. It was only a matter of time before her compassionate heart and her love for children’s books would collaborate into a new chapter of life as a children’s author. Her first published book … Hazel the Hippo was written with the important message that “no matter your color, shape, or eyes”, you are perfect. (Psalm 139:14). Kangaroo Jane soon followed with her own inspiring message. In 2018, Wings of Love made its publication appearance and brought about a tender message of compassion and comfort for children who grieve the loss of a loved one.
Plans for future books are in the creative stages as she continues to focus on the importance of positive loving messages and delivering them in a way that connects with people of all ages and stages. In the meantime, you can find Staci spending time with her happily-ever-after and her grown-up princesses and their families and reading books to the littlest people in her life who know her as Mimi.
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