About
Allow me to answer the two questions I hear most often:
For readers of Swept Up: No, I have never been kidnapped by an angryjanitor while on a school field trip. But I have spent a lot of time wonderingwhat would happen if I had been. In real life, I like school janitors and am not afraid of them at all.
For readers of No Ordinary Lizard: Yes, I have owned a lot of pets - more than any reasonable person ever would. I've had dogs, cats, hamsters, an African gray parrot, a pot-bellied pig, fish, Hermit crabs and, of course, the leopard gecko lizard who inspired this story. At times there have been more animals living in my house than people. But very few of them caused as much trouble as Benson.
When I'm not working on my next book (or taking care of my pets or running away from school janitors), I help kids write their own stories at allwritewithme.com. The site includes tips, techniques, activities and group projects. Drop in to share your own writing, see what other kids are working on, or just say “hi.”
Diane is a graduate of the University of Iowa and the Institute of Children’s Literature. Her short stories and articles have been published in children’s magazines, writers’ newsletters and online.
Story Behind The Book
To all the young writers at allwritewithme.com - I hope this book inspires you as much as you inspire me.
I invite everyone who discovers this book through other websites to visit allwritewithme.com. You’ll find great stories written by grade school kids.
You’ll also find free writing guides built around the Common Core. Grade-specific guides fulfill the standards for 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades.
I hope you enjoy this sample of No Ordinary Lizard!
