Colleen Lent

Colleen Lent remembers her first-grade classmates nicknaming her Pee Wee the Pirate and Crossed-Eyed Colleen because she wore an eye patch and glasses to correct her lazy eye. As a longtime elementary school teacher and independent journalist with graduate degrees in elementary education and communications, Colleen has written numerous articles about individuals conquering similar challenges and embracing kindness. Her stories have been featured in more than 20 different publications that include the New Hampshire Journal of Education, Woman’s World, and Exceptional Parent Magazine. Also, some of her personal narratives have appeared in the Chicken Soup for the Soul book series. Colleen wrote Tiger and My Eye Patch based on her childhood reluctance to wear her corrective eyewear to avoid being taunted. Her picture book encourages children to perceive their unique traits as strengths. The story also pays tribute to fond memories of spending summers in Johnson City, New York with her grandparents and their Great Dane named Tiger. Colleen and her family enjoy spending time with their three rescue dogs Bogie, Molly, and Daisy.