Joan Mary McPhee (formerly Northrop) lived in Africa during her childhood and youth. She loved the out of doors life observing the wild animals of Africa. She and her younger sister and brother accompanied their parents on many trips into the wild. The gentle stories of her book are different and appealing, with a combination of pictures by Inge Guzman and Colton and Tracy McKibben. If her book gives a moment of pleasure to one child, Joan is content. Read how Twinkle the Ant got his name, and how the Magic Zebras helped Gretal. Joan's hope is that children will grow up to be aware of nature and use their imaginations.