What is a Friend?

People are not born knowing what it means to be a good friend. Almost everyone has experienced the pain of having a "fair-weather friend". For these reasons, "What is a Friend?" has been written by celebrated author, Terri Kelley. In her trademark lyrical rhyme, Terri introduces the reader to what it takes to be a great friend and what to watch out for in people only pretending to be a friend. Coupled with fabulous illustrations by the very talented Marietta Tecson, this story will engage and inform all who read it. This is sure to become one of those books that children love to read and to have read to them over and over again.

Terri Kelley, M.Ed, is the author of dozens of books for children and adults including the Writing is a Process series, the chapter book series Gingerly, as well as many others. Her passion for writing and reading began when she was a very young girl. She was raised in Copperas Cove, Texas where she grew up outside the city limits where she enjoyed riding horses and having lots of freedom to explore her environment. It was an idyllic childhood. Terri is the mother of three adult children: Melynda, Jessica, and James. As they grew, each of her kids provided Terri with many fond memories which she incorporates into some of her writing. Now that they are adults, Terri enjoys her children’s successes and keeps in close contact with each of them. In her life, Terri has held a couple of different careers. Her previous one was as a teacher, reading specialist, and gifted and talented specialist in Tomball, TX. Education has always been important to Terri and, as a result, she has earned a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction as well as completing over thirty hours towards a Doctorate in Educational Leadership. It was during her time spent teaching and earning her higher level degrees that she became aware of the kinds of books children enjoyed reading. She also noticed areas of life, education, and learning in need of good children’s books. You will find many of her books respond to these needs. Terri is very happily married to her best friend, Michael. Together, they live in Eugene, OR with their black Labrador, Oliver. Terri and Michael enjoy traveling together, fishing, going to the movies, and, of course, reading great books. They have many good friends with whom they enjoy spending time as well. If you’d like to contact Terri, please do so by visiting her website: www.terrikelleybooks.com.