and the Magic Hat at the age of 74. She had created the story to entertain her great-grandchildren and was encouraged by the response that it got as she began to share the story publicly. The book received favorable reviews and so she began to write and publish more books. To date, she has published 40 children's books. Seven have been translated into Spanish by Lana Kleypas. Several of her books, including Silly Little Stories have been illustrated by Northwest artist Jasen Strong/Alfie Vann, illustrated: 9 books. Other artists include: Mike Motz of Canada, who along with several of his talented crew are responsible for the first ten books. The remaining books were illustrated by Boston artist Ray Sewell, Jason Kleypas of Missouri, Julia Berman of Atlanta, Georgia, Tristen Kaa, Cam Parsons, Morgan Victoria, Steven Livingston, Katrina Reeves, and Michael Brewster of Oregon. Cowan's books are printed by Mira Digital Publishing. Charity In 2009, Cowan decided that she wanted to share her stories with as many children as possible. She reached out to her mentor LK Gardner-Griffie, who suggested she donate them to shelters. Gardner-Griffie suggested that Cowan get in touch with another author, Linda Welch, author of the paranormal series Whisperings. Welch, who was managing a Shelter in Utah provided Cowan with a list, and she began donating copies of her books to young children in homeless shelters. Cowan then reached out to family, friends, and cyber friends for more names of shelters, day care, children's hospitals, and other organizations. The list has grown to include 32 organizations in Oregon, Utah, Kansas, Arkansas, Colorado, Texas, North Carolina, Illinois, and California. References 1933 births Living people 21st-century American women writers American children's writers American women children's writers