John and Anne Maher

John and Anne Maher, authors of The Friendly Forest stories, both hold Master’s degrees. John’s degree is in Teaching English as a Second Language (Azusa Pacific University, California) and Anne’s is in English (University of Chicago). They live in Brisbane, Australia.

Together they have many years of teaching English as a Second Language (three continents, to students from Europe, Asia, and South America). They have learned the value of verse and rhyme in helping both native and non-native English learners master the English language.

Verse and rhyme encourage careful listening, memorization, mastery of idioms, vocabulary, and the grasp of grammar rules and syntax.

And rhymes are fun! They are games for the brain. They give a child a sense of structure and thus mastery over an uncertain and tumultuous world of new experiences. They offer a pleasant sense of security.

John and Anne hope that The Friendly Forest stories will help our friends develop in every aspect of their English adventure.