About the Author

Dany Pierard-Deviche has struck gold with her first books - Little Skiff's Moving Adventures and Little Skiff Copes With Valley Fever. Originally from Belgium, Pierard-Deviche moved to the United States in 1985. For her first three years in the States, she lived in Corvallis, Ore. She then moved to Fairbanks, Alaska, where she resided for 11 years before moving to her current home in Phoenix, Ariz. - much like the main character in her books, Skiff, a Shetland sheepdog.

Pierard-Deviche, who received a Bachelor of Science in botany and a Doctorate in plant physiology from the University of Liège in Belgium, spent most of her career as a research biologist, even working in Germany for a short period of time. Always looking to further her education, Pierard-Deviche also received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Arizona State University in painting in May of 2006. Indeed, she also illustrated both of the Little Skiff books.

Though she collaborated on many scientific papers during the '70s and '80s as a research biologist, the Little Skiff books are Pierard-Deviche's first foray into children's literature. As the owner of the real-life Skiff, Pierard-Deviche is well qualified to relay his adventures, having lived through them herself. And as a mother of two, she certainly knows what kinds of stories will appeal to young children.

As a former research biologist, Pierard-Deviche knows the importance of education and expanding one's horizons. Through these stories about a loveable Sheltie, she hopes to trigger reflection in children and inspire them to conduct their own research on things that interest them.

Little Skiff's Moving Adventures and Little Skiff Copes With Valley Fever are the perfect blend of fiction and nonfiction, teaching and entertaining at the same time. Though he is a dog, Skiff is a great role model for children, and how he copes with life's trials and tribulations are sure to bring comfort and hope to kids in similar situations.

In her spare time, Pierard-Deviche enjoys walking her dog, painting, hiking and bicycling, and plans are on the horizon to perhaps write and illustrate more books.