Patricia Austin, author

Elephant of Sadness, Butterfly of Joy is a collection of twenty-four picture poems that explore the realm of human emotion. Each poem links an animal with an emotion and uses sensory imagery to spark childlike wonder, paint word pictures to ponder, and see the world from a new perspective.

What’s the day-to-day, decade-to-decade life of a teacher like? Documenting Patricia Austin’s forty-plus years as an educator, Tales from a Teaching Life: Vignettes in Verse invites readers along on a chronological journey through elementary and university classrooms. Austin captures modes, moods, and moments of teaching, from a stumbling entry into the profession to an unexpected dive into the brave new world of online instruction. In verse at turns reflective, surprising, and humorous, these poems testify to the strength and profound impact of teachers everywhere.

Jennifer has a new pet, a stray cat she discovered on her way home from piano lessons. Jennifer wants a cuddly cat, one that loves to be held and played with. But when she holds Amadeus, he claws her. When she plays with him, he gets bored. Isn't there anything Jennifer can do to earn Amadeus's love?