Uncle Mike

Uncle Mike is a lovable beast. He's known for his chocolate chip cookie feasts. He likes reading, laughing, and having fun, but he snores very loudly when the day is done. He's fuzzy, well-mannered, and might live at the zoo. He'd probably be your favorite uncle, too.

Behind the fuzzy beard and cookie crumbs is a storyteller who believes some of life's biggest lessons are found in the smallest moments. Through playful rhyme, memorable characters, and stories filled with warmth and humor, Uncle Mike hopes to inspire curiosity, kindness, empathy, and meaningful conversations between children and the grown-ups who read with them.

The son of two elementary school teachers, Uncle Mike grew up surrounded by books, learning, and creativity. He later built a career in graphic and visual design while also teaching and designing for successful high school marching band and music programs throughout the Midwest. One of his favorite traditions was reading children's books to his students, using simple stories to spark laughter, encourage teamwork, and reinforce life's important lessons. If you look closely, you may even discover a few musical nods hidden throughout his own books.

Uncle Mike has loved writing in rhyme since he was young and once made a promise to his grandmother that he would someday publish one of his stories. That promise became a reality with *PSSST... I'm Secretly Housing a Mouse*, but it was only the beginning. Today, Uncle Mike continues creating stories that celebrate imagination, friendship, and the joy of reading together—one story time at a time.