Lisa Kelley
Award-winning author Lisa Kelley has three loves: family, animals, and writing. As a native Georgian, Lisa grew up on ten acres of land outside of Atlanta, Georgia on what was essentially a small farm. Her beloved father, Richard, built barns and pastures and filled them with horses, cows, chickens, and even a goat (for a little while). He also brought home rabbits, ducks, cats, and dogs. And Lisa loved them all.
She also loved writing and started her first novel, which was based on a Beatles' song, at the age of twelve. In college, Lisa obtained a Journalism degree and then entered the corporate world, focusing on public relations and marketing communications. Although she was busy with her career, she always had an animal companion in her life.
When Lisa first met her wonderful future husband, Rich, he had a Cockatiel and a desire to eventually have an African Grey parrot. Being around parrots was a new experience for Lisa, but at her urging, they went to see an African Grey baby that was for sale. It was love at first sight for Rich and he brought baby Dino home. Lisa quickly fell in love with Dino and soon wanted a parrot of her own. Not long after that, Pebbles, a green and yellow Senegal came to live with her.
When Lisa and Rich married a few years later, they merged their two households, which included three birds and two cats. Two years into the marriage, JoJo, a Moustached Parakeet who desperately needed a new home, came into their lives. When Lisa and Rich first met JoJo, there was no question that he was coming home with them. He is now spoiled rotten and as happy as can be.
Since JoJo's story was so sad but had such a happy ending, it suddenly struck Lisa that it would make a wonderful children's story. And thus, The Lonely Parrot came to be. This tale is not only heartwarming, but also teaches important lessons about caring for pet parrots. And in 2012, The Lonely Parrot won an IPPY Award for Best Children’s Illustrated Ebook.
Want to meet the real JoJo? Visit his website at www.thelonelyparrot.net or “Like” him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TheLonelyParrot.
