ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Christine Richmond was born and raised in Hubbard, Saskatchewan, Canada.  Her short stories “Eddy’s Gift” and "Lost In The Supermarket" placed in the top 50 honorable mentions of the Writer's Digest (Children's Category) contests in 2004 and 2005.

Ms. Richmond and her daughter Anna have created, illustrated and published two children's books together.  Visit their website at www.christinesillustratedchildrensbooks.com.

Ms. Richmond divides her time between working, creating her stories and caring for her family.  She is currently working on her third book.  She lives in Port Coquitlam, BC with her husband and children.

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR

Anna Richmond discovered her love of art at a very young age and started taking lessons before the age of nine.  She has won many art contests at her school, local businesses and received 3rd place honors in 2007 in the local Vancouver Sun newspaper drawing contest.

The once thin, spiraling smoke became thick and swirled into the blue sky, making it hazy.  The wind blew smoke in their direction, making it hard to breathe and to see.  It all happened so fast!  Taylor coughed from breathing in smoke.  She pulled her handkerchief up from around her neck and placed it over her face.

            Cricket sniffed the ground trying to find her way back.  Before they knew it, they were off the trail and near the edge of the water.  It seemed like they had just passed this point!  Cricket sank deep in the mud.  Taylor jumped off Cricket’s back down into the gooey mud.  She grabbed the reins and wrapped them tightly around her hands.  She tugged as hard as she could.  “Come on, girl,” Taylor urged. 

Clop, clop, Taylor heard as Cricket trudged out slowly.  Cricket wobbled and fell backwards on her rear.

Taylor pulled harder.  “Come on, Cricket.  We have to go before the fire gets us.  We can’t stay here.”  Cricket didn’t budge.  She had thick foam coming out of her mouth and was breathing heavily.  Taylor yanked at the reins. 

Cricket stood.  She finally dragged herself out slowly but then nearly fell sideways.  Thick mud clung to Cricket’s legs and backside.  Her hooves were clogged, too.  Taylor looked down at her own legs.  They were also covered from her knees down.

            Please be okay, Taylor prayed as she walked up to the horse.  Cricket stood and stared at Taylor.  Her brown eyes never wavered.  Taylor took it as a sign that the mare was fine.  She hugged her tightly. 

            “I’m so glad you’re okay.  Don’t give up.  You can make it home.”  Taylor pulled at the reins and urged Cricket gently.  They started out again.