Laurie Lazzaro Nativityis the author of The Nativity: Mary Remembersas well as a trio of books-- Why Cowboys Sleep With Their Boots On, Why Cowboys Need a Brand,and Why Cowboys Need a Pardner.She lives in Medina, Ohio. As a former chairman of the Highlights Scholarship Committee and as a trustee of the Highlights for Children Foundation, Laurie has been closely involved with the Writers Workshop for the past four years. As the Ohio regional adviser for the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators since 1989, she brings with her much experience in working with both authors and young readers. She has traveled nationwide to speak at various conferences, including those of the International Reading Association, the Society of Developmental Education, and the Ohio State Liberty System. With fifteen years of teaching experience and as the owner and operator of the Roots 'n' Wings Ranch, Laurie has learned plenty about working with children. She likes to write for them as well, and Pelican has published several of her children's books, including Why Cowboys need a Brand and Why Cowboys Sleep with Their Boots On. This summer, Pelican will also publish Laurie's hardback picture book Nana's Rice Pie.

Laurie has written a new twelve-part series called The Little Believer, which is being published by Frank Schafer. Modern Curriculum Press bought six of her articles for use in an anthology, and her article "Dancing Wheels" was published in Highlights. Laurie lives in Medina, Ohio with her husband and children.