About Me
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Who Am I ?
I have worked with young children as a reading specialist for more than 30 years. Last year, I organized a community effort to rescue a Muscovy duck who had been shot with an arrow. Somehow, he had lived with this arrow through his back for several months. Over 50 people from all parts of the Tampa community spent a Tuesday evening rescuing Archie.
I was so inspired by the spirit and good will of the people who participated, that I felt compelled to write a children’s picture book both about the duck, who was now known as Archie, & about his rescuers.
Abby Gatenby’s Biography
I write children’s stories that reflect my life experiences. I grew up in a Jewish family that lived in blue collar, close knit, city neighborhoods. My grandmother stayed with us, which is how I came to understand Yiddish and the culture she brought from Russia. I entered Kindergarten with a physical disability which was corrected later in childhood.
I was a sensitive kid that worried over the tiniest bits of life. Despite these obstacles, I was a competent, optimistic child who learned to overcome issues that arose.
It is my hope that children will see themselves in my stories or gain empathy by walking in the shoes of someone with different experiences.
It is my hope that children will see themselves in my stories or gain empathy by walking in the shoes of someone with different experiences.