Phyllis Del Puppo (nee Crossley) was born in 1948 in Rossland B.C. She has picked huckleberries since she was old enough to walk, and has always enjoyed outdoor sports, and gardening. She worked with children for many years as a parent, school volunteer, teacher, and Brownie and Guide leader, and has been writing stories since she was ten years old. She graduated at twenty-one from the University of British Columbia with a degree in English and a second major in Biology. Phyllis was inspired to write this book by a lifetime in the outdoors and by the joy, mayhem, and ingenuity of growing up in the country. She also wanted to give youth an inkling of what life was like for "the old folks" before their young lay slumped in their plush bunting bags.
Phyllis lives in the rural West Kootenays with her husband of 53 years. Together, they have raised two daughters, travelled, gardened, enjoyed many outdoor sports, and participated in a vibrant community life.
