diane phelps budden

In another lifetime Diane Phelps Budden had the pleasure of raising two kids and managing a small public library in Michigan. She bought all the books for the library, but her favorites were children’s picture books. Every night she read bedtime stories to her kids. Her best contribution to the small library was building the children’s collection to attract kids who had never used a public library. It was a gratifying experience that drove her author ambitions. She introduced local kids to Dr. Seuss books and other favorites at monthly story hours. Talking with children and nurturing their minds—seeing the rapt little faces glowing with curiosity and joy—is what drove her to write stories. Of course, life intervened and she went on to a marketing career for a Fortune 500 company that also helped her to develop and present workshops on a variety of topics related to self-publishing. (If you want more information on her capabilities and experience, fill out the contact form on this page.)
Diane’s first published children’s books were about ravens. She discovered them after moving to the red rocks of Sedona, Arizona, where they are beloved backyard birds. Ravens are rascals as playful as toddlers, and talkative and smart as a parrot or dolphin. Watching them soar in pairs through the blue sky was inspiring. Fast forward to pandemic times and Diane learned about a man who had discovered planet Pluto in 1930 at Lowell Observatory near her home. Clyde W. Tombaugh’s perseverance and passion for astronomy helped him find Pluto. He is a great role model for kids and adults alike. It was a story that needed to be told: Needle in a Haystack: How Clyde W. Tombaugh Found an Awesome New World. 

When not writing and reading, Diane “makes art.” A former printmaker and sculptor, she has taken on the medium of oil pastels to paint her world. She travels frequently to learn more about how others live and think.
Finally, read to your kids every day. And read books for you too. Life is better with books!