Jennifer Swanson
Jennifer was born with the love of reading.  At the age of 5, she was already writing and illustrating her own stories.  When she was in second grade, she wrote a play and coerced her friends to help her produce it.  She has been writing ever since.

A 1990 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Jennifer also pursued her other love of science and became a prep school chemistry teacher.  From there, her Navy career took her to Norfolk, VA where she was stationed with her husband, Jon.

Her life changed forever when they adopted Penny, their first dog.  Penny was a wonderful addition to their family and less than a year later, they adopted Rio, her best pal.  Little did Jennifer know that those dogs would become so important to her later in life.  Jennifer kept writing during the next several years as she raised three children, supported her naval officer husband and taught both part and full time.

These days one can find Jennifer ferrying her kids to soccer practice or games, studying hard for her Masters in Education class, relaxing with her husband or most importantly, hard at work on a new mystery for the intrepid Penny and Rio to solve. Jennifer has also recently become a middle school science instructor for John Hopkin University’s Center for Talented Youth.

Jennifer is an active  member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. She regulary attends the Florida branch of SCBWI’s conferences in Orlando and Miami.

Jennifer is also a member of the Florida Writer’s Association and is looking forward to their annual conference.

Aside from writing books about dogs, Jennifer is committed to helping animals.   She firmly believes in adopting dogs, and has taught her children the same values. “There are so many wonderful dogs out there, just waiting for a good home.  I feel we need to help them become the great companions that they are meant to be.”

In support of this goal, Jennifer donates a portion of her proceeds to a local Jacksonville pet rescue organization, G.R.E.A.T. Rescue.  This organization rescues and rehabilitates golden retrievers and places them in their new and forever homes.   Jennifer has also recently teamed with Pawsitive Pets, a local organization that takes dogs into schools to help children learn to read.