When my oldest daughter was a toddler
hair-brushing time was a battle. With long, thick hair,
her snarls were huge and my patience thin every time it
was “that” time. I’d struggle to keep her sitting still
while I tugged and pulled her hair. Conditioner and
other products helped but the battle raged on. When she
reached kindergarten age I became desperate for a
solution. My daughter loved books; loved it when I made
up stories so that is what I did. I told her stories
about this little character who didn’t like to have her
hair brushed and most days it worked.
Early on, thinking other little girls and their moms would love to read about Snarly Sally, I sent the original story to some big-name publishers. I waited anxiously for a glowing acceptance letter. All I received were form rejections. I kept sending the story out. I kept being rejected. I had so many rejections that I began collecting them in a big box! I eventually changed the story by giving Snarly Sally a little puppy named Tangles. That didn’t work so I decided that if I found an illustrator that might open the door. But I discovered that
even though the art samples sent to me
were amazing they weren’t the Snarly Sally I envisioned.
My children suggested I should be the illustrator of
Snarly Sally. I panicked. I had no art background. But I
decided to try. I went to the library and read about
various mediums. After a few years of hit and miss I
chose markers and colored pencils. I began illustrating.
My path brought Snarly Sally to the attention of Landauer Publishing in Des Moines, Iowa who eventually published the first two Snarly Sally books, “The Really, Really Hairy Flight of Snarly Sally” and “Snarly Sally’s Garden of ABCs.”
After my contract with Landauer expired I decided that I would not only be the creator, writer, and illustrator of Snarly Sally. I would also be the publisher. That decision has resulted in this exciting and fun website where we are happy to introduce the 3rd Snarly Sally book, “The Great Hairy Scary Butterfly Rescue.” Not only is the book new so
is Snarly’s look. She's traded her dress
for a pair of jeans and hot pink top-making it easier
for her to go on even more adventures! Tangles has
changed too but that’s all that has changed. Children’s
imaginations will still ignite as they join Snarly Sally
and Tangles in another fun-filled story. Please keep
checking this site; grow with us as we add product, more
titles, and downloads.
I invite you to send me your stories about your Snarly Sally. Include a picture if you’d like and we will post them to share with other Snarly Sallies and their families. After all, everyone knows a Snarly Sally! Thanks to everyone who kept encouraging me and supporting me. This long journey is your journey too.
"The Really
Hairy Scary Butterfly Rescue"
