Meet the Author
Diane Twomley is the author of children’s books Carole Jane from Starfish Lane and Picking Patch. She is a mother and grandmother who has an interesting laugh and always sees a silver lining, even when others don’t.
Some of her favorite things are books, jelly doughnuts, cozy pajamas, the ocean, and the laughter of little children. She believes that you are never too old to try something new, like writing a book. Diane has always worked in jobs that allow her to help others. She spent almost twenty-five years in a middle school library, where her favorite thing was helping students find the perfect book. Diane lives in central Pennsylvania with her husband, Mike. They have raised two wonderful sons and treasure every moment with their grandson, Harper T.S. Picking Patch is based on the true story of how Diane and her husband met their cat.
Details
Format: Paperback, Hardcover
Pages: 36
ISBN Paperback: 978-1-962416-03-0
ISBN Hardcover: 978-1-962416-22-1
Release date: July 23, 2024
Endorsements
“A joyous way to ring in the fall season that is full of heart. Not just an autumn treat, but also a book that will please the animal lover within us all.”
— Jeff Mayer, author of The Little Green Pumpkin
“Beautiful and delicate illustrations tell the story of Casey, a young boy looking for the perfect pumpkin in Picking Patch. A sweet story of family togetherness and new responsibilities, Picking Patch will make you long for fall days, cooler weather, and the joys of a new companion.”
— Lauren Oakey, author of Waiting for Adeline and Adeline by the Sea
“Picking Patch is simply charming! The magic that Casey experiences while picking out his own pumpkin parallels the joy that I’ve seen in my own daughter when we make our annual trip to the pumpkin patch. It’s a perfect story to help bring the enchantment of fall to little readers everywhere.”
— Madeline Large, mommy and teacher
“Picking Patch is a sweet story about the joy of finding the perfect pumpkin. Sometimes things happen that we don’t expect, like finding a feline friend to help and love. It was so touching and familiar when the family sat down to discuss adopting ‘Patch.’ You can feel the author’s purpose as the story progresses and the family has big decisions to make.”
— MaryBeth Hoffman, gifted support teacher in the State College Area School District
“Picking Patch is a fun, heartwarming, and educational story that immediately transported me back to my childhood memories of frolicking around local farms in my hometown. Having worked in animal welfare for over a decade, and as the proud mother of two rescued cats, it was a joy to be on Casey’s journey with him while he discovered his love for animals and learned about the lifesaving and rewarding responsibility of taking good care of a loving pet.”
— Alyssa Fleck, animal welfare advocate
“This is a fantastic fall-themed book that my own children and my students loved! It is a heartwarming story that offers a lot of self-to-text connections and places to predict what will happen next.”
— Paul Leah, fourth grade teacher
Meet the Illustrator
Cheryl Grant was born and raised in the mountains of Virginia. Simple country living and love of family influenced many of her illustrations. Cheryl attended Mary Baldwin University, graduating in 1990 with an art degree. When Cheryl’s son was born, she decided to stay home with him. During this time, she continued to create treasured art for friends and family. Cheryl returned to work in the early 2000s, creating a popular website that made her art available for digital download. Some of her most popular illustrations feature her adorable puppy, her two cats, and their sassy adventures. Cheryl now enjoys spending time with her grandson and watching him grow. Picking Patch is Cheryl’s second illustrated book.
