CANDICE RANSOM only ever wanted to be a children's book writer. She is the author of over 125 books for kids and young adults, including Amanda Panda Quits Kindergarten and Amanda Panda and the Bigger, Better Birthday, and teaches in the children's literature program at Hollins University. Candice lives in Fredericksburg, Virginia, with her husband and her cats, Faulkner and Edison. Visit her at www.candiceransom.com.