Shirley Menendez has had a varied professional career before becoming an author. She spent almost two decades as a librarian in Prince George’s County (Maryland) and Westchester County (New York). Reading books to children at library story hours was her favorite thing to do. Changing careers, she became an administrator at Georgetown University, primarily serving as housing director.

Growing up in the Shenandoah Valley town of Staunton, Virginia, she worked in the public library while earning a degree from Mary Baldwin University. A master in library science from Drexel University was next on her agenda.

A dog named Rocky and a cat named Boots brought her much joy while growing up. Today she enjoys all the animals who visit her backyard including deer, rabbits, and occasionally a fox she named Freddy. A variety of birds frequent her bird feeders.

She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators.

Being a reading tutor at local public schools has kept her in touch with kids and their interests.

She and her husband Albert, who is also an author, live in Maryland in the Gaithersburg/North Potomac area, a suburb of Washington, D.C.