DILLY THE ARMADILLO

Joyce Papera is a native of New Jersey. She has spent a major part of her career as an educator. Initially an English teacher, Joyce was fortunate enough to obtain a Master of Arts Degree in early childhood special education. Although she had experience teaching at the primary, secondary and college levels, her experience with preschool children and young primary aged children dominated her teaching direction. The innocence and honesty of young children was both heartwarming and eye opening. The negative side of the experience was dealing with physically abused children. She concluded her career in administration, supervising students new to the field of early childhood education. In retirement, Joyce decided to write children's books that would both delight and educate. Young children are drawn to animal stories, especially those animals that are not commonly written about or visually presented. Unusually documented animals are the core of her stories. Therefore, as children are reading or listening to her stories, they are also learning about different animals and their habits and habitats. She brings a refreshing approach to nature!