Laurie Cockerell

Laurie Cockerell was born and raised in Texas, receiving her undergraduate degree from Texas Tech University and her graduate degree from The University of Texas at Arlington. She taught in elementary school classrooms in Texas and Hawaii, and has worked extensively with children in church and other volunteer programs. Laurie also managed the domestic program of a large adoption agency located in Texas.

Laurie and her brother Travis (the illustrator) have collaborated on two books: "Founders' Fables," introduces children to the principles of the founding fathers. Their second book, "Magnificent Sam: The Amazing Adventures of Sam Houston," is an award-winning children's picture book biography that details the life of General Sam Houston. Laurie has also collaborated with photographer Deanna Ford on the children's picture book, "The Miracle," and co-authored the award-winning "The Spirit of Texas Daily Reader," "The Spirit of Texas Activity Guide," and "The Spirit of Texas Reproducible Book" with Yvonne Cumberland. She wrote and released the writing prompt book, "Imagine Texas," as a companion book to this Texas history curriculum. In addition, she provided the poetry to accompany the lovely "A Hawaiian Legend of Love and Betrayal," created and illustrated by the renowned artist, Balazs Szabo, and co-wrote "Stupendous and Marvelous, Just You and Me" with her grandson, Charlie.

Laurie lives with her family in Fort Worth, Texas.