Carol Hageman

Wildlife always fascinated Carol Hageman. She grew up playing outdoors and doing chores on the family farm in Vincennes, IN, an area rich in flora and fauna. Also as an adult in Henderson, KY, she became interested in birds, for it was home to John James Audubon in his young career. When Carol decided to write the story of a tortoise in Bubby’s Puddle Pond: A Tortuga’s Tale of the Desert, she drew on some of the real-life behaviors she had witnessed. She wanted to pass along her lifelong curiosity and enthusiasm to today’s young readers – many of whom may never have seen an animal in the wild. “I realize now how special it was to be raised on a farm. It gave me a greater appreciation and love of nature that I hope other children can experience,” she said.

Hageman learned floral design early on while living in Indiana and later opened a florist shop in Henderson, KY. After the birth of her daughter, Erin – whom the book’s main character is named after – she sold the shop and moved to Phoenix, AZ. She became a volunteer to a teacher at Erin’s school, tutoring second-graders in reading and then helping them write their own “first” books.

Now living in Tempe, Arizona, with husband Bernie, Carol decided it was time to write Bubby’s Puddle Pond and complete a long-time dream. In her free time, she practices yoga, rides horses and is a Master Gardener.