Something About Hensley's

Born in Lansing, Michigan in 1944, I spent my early childhood in Williamston and Union City, Michigan, living on my grandparents’ farm until 1949. My time on the farm, with my Babushka and grandparents, was a magical and inspirational period of my life.

My parents divorced when I was three, leading to me spending school years with my mother and summers with my father, always cherished by my grandparents. These relationships deeply influenced my life and work, often reflected in my stories featuring young people interacting with the elderly.

The respect instilled in me during my youth carried into later years, fostering a love for hearing stories and an acceptance of aging parents. The farm in Union City, a place of wonderful stories and where a meteorite landed in our front yard (now our family headstone), remains a vivid memory.

After living in Oakland, California for nearly 37 years, I returned to Union City. In 1949, we moved to Coral Gables, Florida, then to Oakland, California, where I lived in the Rockridge District on Ocean View Drive. I was fortunate to be surrounded by diverse neighbors with varied backgrounds.

It was on Ocean View that I met my best friend, Stewart Grinnell Washington. As a student, I struggled with reading and math, not learning to read until almost 14 due to dyslexia. With the help of a teacher, I overcame this learning disability and went on to succeed in school.

I earned a degree in Fine Art, a graduate degree, and a Ph.D. in Art History. For a time, I restored ancient art for museums. I raised two children, Steven and Traci, dedicating myself to their education.

At 41, I began writing children’s books, building on my lifelong artistic abilities and a family tradition of storytelling from my Ukrainian, Russian, and Irish heritage. Growing up hearing stories shaped my ability to tell them.

My career as a children’s book author has been fulfilling, drawing ideas from my imagination. I encourage aspiring writers to listen to their inner voice, turn off distractions, and listen.

Now residing back in Union City, I plan to host writing seminars, storytelling festivals, and literature conferences.

Born Patricia Ann Barber, I grew up in both California and Michigan. My family were marvelous storytellers.

I studied in the United States and Australia, earning an M.F.A. and a Ph.D. in art history. I specialize in Russian and Greek painting and iconographic history and work as a museum consultant on the restoration of icons. As a participant in many citizen exchange programs for writers and illustrators, I have traveled extensively in Russia as well as other former Soviet republics. I continue to support programs that encourage Russo-American friendships and understanding. I am also deeply involved in inner-city projects here in the U.S. that promote the peaceful resolution of conflict and encourage art and literacy programs.

I am the mother of a grown son and a daughter, and currently reside in Michigan, where I have a glorious old farm that was built during the time of Lincoln.

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