Colleen Barksdale
Little Woods Runner is a delightful, true story of a little girl from the city who discovers her love of nature on her weekly visits to her grandparents’ home in the country. Author Colleen Barksdale is a retired teacher and grandmother who lives on wooded acreage in northern Minnesota. Nestled on the wooded property is a tailor-made trail she cleared, with unique markers for each of her four grandchildren.On Colleen’s 25 year teaching journey, some of the most rewarding experiences have been the thoughtful and heartfelt cards, drawings, hugs and inspiration from both parents and students.It is Colleen’s hope that children who have never experienced the beauty of nature will be inspired by her granddaughter, Dajahnae in the story, Little Woods Runner.Illustrator Andra Guzzo is a practicing artist and teacher in South Dakota. She grew up in the suburbs of Memphis before moving to study fine art at Austana University. Since graduating with a BA in art and education, she teaches middle and high school art classes in Canton. Andra has shown work in galleries and shows around Sioux Falls, South Dakota. In collaboration with Colleen Barksdale, Little Woods Runner is her first book illustration. 3
