Cynthia Bardes

Crossing a street in Beverly Hills, author Cynthia Bardes was struck by a car, requiring surgery and a lengthy recuperation. While bedridden at the hotel, Cynthia drew family closer and passed time by creating vivid and enchanting stories for her granddaughter, Avery, during her frequent visits. Her tale-weaving inspiration was drawn from the family's beloved chocolate poodle, Pansy - named as such for her sweet flower-like face - after seeing the joy the curious little pup brought to the hotel guests and staff, making for a perfect setting and story.

Pansy the Poodle Series of children's books was created to show that anyone can make a difference, no matter how small and has grown into a cherished series for children and adults alike. With six books in on shelves and a hit musical production, Pansy has left her paw print on all of our hearts... The moral of the series is that one should never give up and always keep reaching!

A graduate of Sarah Lawrence College, Cynthia is a former dress designer and interior decorator. When not in Los Angeles, she and her husband, David, reside in Vero Beach, Florida with their darling Pansy.

The Pansy the Poodle series is iIlustrated by Virginia Best, an artist whose paintings and photographs have been exhibited nationally. She lives with her husband and two poodles in Derby, Vermont.