Look and Listen

Biography

Teresa Butler was born June 6, 1966. She grew up “in the center of Connecticut” in the small city of Waterbury. Teresa has always loved to read and tell stories, “I remember my first childhood chapter book Charlotte’s Web, I read it from cover to cover and then read it again.” As a child, she would write short stories and poetry as a hobby. It never dawned on Teresa that she could become a published children’s book author. Teresa joined the Army, started a family and attended school part-time. She eventually earned her Bachelor’s degree from the Eastern Connecticut State University and went on to take courses towards a Master’s Degree in Organizational Management. She describes herself as a shy person who loves to relax at home in the backyard with her dog Milo, read a book and play with her MacBook. Teresa has written many short stories and children’s books but has never published. When asked why she has now chosen to publish, she stated: “I decided I needed to do something, children have lost their way. Manners are something people my age look back at and ask remember when. I want my granddaughter to grow up knowing please, thank you, excuse me etc. is not foreign, but something you must know and practice in everyday life. I want to make all my books a tool for children, parents and teachers to have an open dialog and communicate about why respect, manners and proper etiquette are important.”

Inspiration

God is my inspiration for everything I do. My parents who encouraged me to dream and achieve big. My daughters who are now strong women with a stronger determination than I had growing up. My family so large and scattered inspires me everyday. Langston Hughes, Richard Wright and Whoopi Goldberg if only I could have met them.