Meet the Author
Debbie and Dirk have been collaborating for the past forty-four years: first on their family, two sons who in turn each have two sons (one of whom is McKinley); then on building/remodeling projects as their family grew; and now on books for children. Debbie taught first grade for thirty-one years, while Dirk taught third grade, fifth grade, and adults. Since retiring, Deb and Dirk have been making the most of time spent with their family, their friends, and each other, while creating stories that children and the adults in their lives can enjoy. The collaboration continues!
Details
Format: Paperback, Hardcover, E-book
Pages: 36
ISBN Paperback: 978-1-951565-99-2
ISBN Hardcover: 978-1-951565-98-5
ISBN E-book: 978-1-953021-00-7
Release date: December 10, 2020
Endorsements
“As a grandparent of seven children, this book tugged at my heartstrings. Even the best-behaved grandkids experience a lapse in good judgment at times. This story beautifully expresses that concept, as Mick discovers the importance of being aware of the simplest things that bring joy to those we love. A very relatable story, wonderfully written, and with adorable illustrations. Move over, A Night Before Christmas!”
—Sally Kissner, executive director of the Arts Council of South Wood County
“This precious story is an instant Christmas classic!
—Elizabeth M. Timmins, public library director (and self-proclaimed children’s book aficionado)
“Watch out, Elf on the Shelf! The Present Pixies are the new way to teach kids to behave at Christmastime. Will McKinley learn his lesson about continuing to be good on Christmas day, or will the Present Pixies take away his presents for good? In this delightful story, parents and children will eagerly await to see which route McKinley will choose. Based on a true story, McKinley and the Present Pixies is a very good lesson book that encompasses good choices, love, and compassion.”
—Toni Goodall, retired kindergarten teacher
“McKinley’s story reminds us how patience, kindness, and forgiveness bring gifts of their own. The warm illustrations paired with the rhyme and rhythm of the story make this book an especially fun read—for adults and children alike!”
—Lynn Cartier, retired kindergarten teacher (and grandma of fourteen)
“McKinley and the Present Pixies offers an absolutely endearing resolution to that all-too-frequent moment when a child has difficulty seeing a world beyond themselves. This is a Christmas story I can envision families reading and re-reading for holidays to come.”
—Scott Langteau, author of Sofa Boy and The Frog at the Window
Meet the Illustrator
Hello there. I’m Kelly Lane, an illustrator based in Texas. I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in fine art drawing from Texas State University in 2006. I have taught for thirteen years in elementary education, from the tiny pre-K kids to the not-so-tiny third graders. This has afforded me a keen insight into the world of children and the innocent prism through which they view the world. Now I freelance out of my home studio, breathing life into imaginary worlds. I live in a cozy hobbit hole under tree and hill in San Antonio, Texas with my wife, two rambunctious boys, my Boston terrier Bobo, and a lazy bobtailed cat called Bobkitty.
