Judith JacquesThe themes for the series resonate with experiences from Judith's own life. She ran a food bank and after-school program for children experiencing homelessness; she started a program that brought the children to work and play in a community garden. A first, they were not fond of working in the garden or eating any of its food. Then, she turned it into a game and named all the plants, bugs, and tools to give them life and make them characters they could relate to. The garden became their happy place; every day brought with it a new adventure and life lesson.It was a special experience to witness, and ultimately, the idea for this series was born.As a first-generation graduate with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a Master's degree in Global Technology & Development, and over a decade of professional experience leading community programs, Judith brings a unique, real-world lens to her storytelling, one that celebrates diversity, empathy, and social-emotional growth.Her background in public service, nonprofit leadership, and education fuels her passion for writing stories that not only entertain but also empower young readers to see themselves and others in new ways. Whether it's peas throwing parties or carrots learning to share, her characters reflect the big lessons found in small everyday moments.When she's not dreaming up new adventures in Gardenland, Judith can be found volunteering, traveling, gardening, cooking, exploring the PNW outdoors, snuggling her animals, trying to make her husband laugh, or building programs that bring people together.She lives in Seattle, Washington, with her mum, husband, dog Star, and kitkats Sox and Lucky. Read More Read Less