Marion Coste

I was born in New Jersey and spent a happy childhood on the beaches near Asbury Park. I lived in many different parts of the country during my 26 years as a Coast Guard wife before our family moved to Hawaii in 1982. I've always loved learning about animals and natural history, and I draw on my background in teaching and museum education to convey this love to a new generation. My third book, "Kolea," won Ka Po'okela Palapala (literally, "the best book") award for excellence in children's literature, an"'Ope'ape'a, The Hawaiian Bat" received honorable mention.

My husband was born in Charleston SC, and many glorious vacations on Sullivan's Island and the Isle of Palms led to "Wild Beach." Our friends' adoption of a baby girl from China inspired me to write "Finding Joy." I am an avid reader and fervent advocate of reading aloud to children. I agree with Walt Disney that "there is more treasure in books than in all the pirates' loot on Treasure Island."