The Graeagle Bear

Kathleen Backman, B.A. Kathleen Backman has lived in Plumas County, California since 1994. She attended Concordia College Portland, Oregon where she studied Early Childhood Education and Art. She completed her studies in Sociology at Chico State University, California. She is a mural artist and worked as an art teacher for 12 years. Her illustrations of the Original Graeagle Bear story can be found on the boulders that landscape the Graeagle Outpost. This story is patterned after her encounter with a local bear swimming in the Mill Pond one summer morning. Mary Lou "Dink" Rife B.S., M.A. Mary Lou "Dink" Rife has lived in Plumas County, California since 1964. She received her B.S. Degree from Colorado University, Boulder and her M. A. Degree in psychology from The University of Northern Colorado, Greeley. She is a retired school teacher and counselor and worked with all grade levels. "Dink" enjoys writing stories, poems, and greeting cards in rhyme. This is her first children's story.

Kathleen Backman, B.S. Kathleen has lived in Plumas County for 15 years. She is a mural artist and art teacher. She attended Concordia Lutheran University, Portland, Oregon where she studied early-childhood education and art. She completed her studies at Chico State University, California. She and her family have enjoyed many winter seasons sledding and skiing at Plumas-Eureka Ski Bowl. Mary Lou "Dink" Rife, B.S., M.A. "Dink" has lived in Plumas County, California for nearly 44 years. She is a retired school teacher and counselor. She worked with all grade levels in the schools, including community college. She has enjoyed many years sledding and instructing skiing at Plumas-Eureka Ski Bowl. "Dink" feels it is important to have a lesson, a moral, or a positive message in all children's books.