Ann Tarpley Francesco

Ann Tarpley Francesco was born in Salem, Virginia, where she lived for eighteen years. She developed an interest in writing before the age of ten. She started out writing rhyming poetry for family members, and gave it as birthday presents, anniversary gifts, and for other special occasions. Her son, Matthew inspired her writing through his love of trains, first in poetic responses she would include in his first grade parent/student writing assignments and then as a short story. The Gingerbread Train-Santa's Secret Gift emerged when Ann was inspired to write a children's book as a gift to her children. Both Matthew and her daughter, Courtney, were the inspiration behind the two lead characters in the book.

Ann attended Radford University in Radford, Virginia where she earned her teaching certification for early childhood and middle education. Ann also earned a B.A. in business administration at Lynchburg College in Lynchburg, Virginia. Her writing hobby served her well as a college admissions counselor at Lynchburg College and as a fifth-grade elementary school teacher in Stafford County, Virginia. Two lesson plans she developed were included in teacher resource books entitled, "Sweet Numbers" (Learn Every Day About Numbers, Gryphon House Books) and "Yummy Colors" (Learn Every Day About Colors, Gryphon House Books).

She worked part-time as a personal chef for approximately ten years, and worked for King's College in Charlotte, North Carolina as a seasonal classroom presenter. Ann is continuing her work as a children's author staying true to her train topic. The Gingerbread Train-Santa's Secret Gift is the first in a holiday train series with the Easter train book scheduled to be the next one released.

In Ann's spare time, she enjoys playing tennis, working out at the gym, traveling, reading, cooking, and creating unique sugar scrubs and body butters. She is an impassioned advocate of healthy living and an active lifestyle.