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Terri Kelley, M.Ed, is the author of the series of Writing Is a Process books, many other children’s picture books, as well as of the chapter book series, Gingerly. 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 in the country with horses and lots of freedom to explore her environment. It was an idyllic childhood that allowed her to use her imagination daily.
Terri is the mother of three. Terri raised her kids in Granbury, TX and Tomball, TX. Both of these communities offered excellent schools and a country atmosphere that Terri enjoys. Terri still has ties to both towns as well as treasured friends in both places.
As an adult, Terri has held a couple of different careers. After twenty successful years in business-to-business sales, Terri decided to change careers and teach. Her first teaching job was with Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District in Houston, TX. After a few years there, she became a teacher, a reading specialist, and a gifted and talented specialist in Tomball, TX. It was while she taught that she became aware of the kinds of books children enjoyed reading. She also noticed areas 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 Oakridge, OR with their black Labrador, Oliver. Terri and Michael enjoy traveling together, fishing, going to the movies, treasure hunting (at garage sales and thrift stores), and, of course, reading great books. They have many good friends with whom they enjoy spending time as well.
If you would like to write to Terri, please visit her author’s bookstore
at www.terrikelleybooks.com or send an email from the form found there.
She will make every effort to reply to your email as soon as she is able.
Thank you and happy reading!
Reviewed by Tania Staley for Readers' Favorite
The loss of a loved one is unfortunately something that touches everyone’s life at some point. In this compassionate and endearing children’s book, Thank You, Shadow, Terri Kelley broaches this painful, yet important, subject. The story starts with the direct and poignant lines, “Today is one the worst days of my life. Today is the day my Shadow passed away.” With this same openness and honesty, a young boy tells readers of the day he found out his dog, Shadow, had died. Shadow was his best friend and now, without him, the boy doesn’t know how to be happy again. However, with the support of his parents, some sage advice, and a little time to heal, even this sorrow can be overcome. This sweet tale will teach young and old how to cope with loss and the importance of creating memories.
Thank You, Shadow is a sweet tale that deserves a place amongst children’s literature. Death is a difficult topic for most to discuss, but Terri Kelley’s book takes away some of its sting and provides an avenue for discussion with young children. The young boy who tells the story goes through a variety of emotions, from denial to anger and beyond, making this a tale that those going through the same emotions one they can relate to. Along with a moving story, Thank You, Shadow has coupled stirring water color pictures by Tiffany England. I found myself going back to inspect these pictures after my initial reading, and they are one of the best aspects of this book. I think this is an excellent book for teachers and parents to have in their collection in order to open discussion on the very sensitive subject of death. I will definitely be looking into Terri Kelley's other works to see how she handles other subjects. If it is anything like this tale, I expect to be quite pleased.
