JONI KERR
I am a retired American educator with a rewarding 38-year career in teaching. The last 29 years of my professional journey were dedicated to international teaching, enriching my perspective and deepening my passion for global education. Beyond my work within the Florida and Texas school systems, I have had the incredible opportunity to teach in ten different schools across seven countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman, China, Luxembourg, Tunisia, and Malaysia.
Since retiring, I have pursued my dream of becoming a published author. My passion lies in sharing my diverse experiences to help others see the world through different lenses and broaden their understanding of global cultures. I firmly believe in the interconnectedness of all people and hope that my stories inspire others to travel, explore, and develop meaningful connections across cultures. Through my work, I aim to foster a sense of curiosity, empathy, and appreciation for the beautiful diversity that makes our world unique.
JONI KERR
I am a retired American educator with a rewarding 38-year career in teaching. The last 29 years of my professional journey were dedicated to international teaching, enriching my perspective and deepening my passion for global education. Beyond my work within the Florida and Texas school systems, I have had the incredible opportunity to teach in ten different schools across seven countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman, China, Luxembourg, Tunisia, and Malaysia.
Since retiring, I have pursued my dream of becoming a published author. My passion lies in sharing my diverse experiences to help others see the world through different lenses and broaden their understanding of global cultures. I firmly believe in the interconnectedness of all people and hope that my stories inspire others to travel, explore, and develop meaningful connections across cultures. Through my work, I aim to foster a sense of curiosity, empathy, and appreciation for the beautiful diversity that makes our world unique.
Shannon Turske is a longtime preschool teacher and a new children’s book author of her book Joy and the Big Balloon Catastrophe. With over twenty-four years in early childhood education, Shannon brings her classroom experience and genuine love for children into everything she does. In addition to writing the children’s book Joy and the Big Balloon Catastrophe, Shannon designs preschool resources in her Teachers Pay Teachers store, Joy and Sunshine Collective, where she helps educators to plant seeds of learning and faith in their own classrooms. Her debut book, Joy and the Big Balloon Catastrophe, was inspired by a favorite annual tradition: the Thanksgiving balloon parade at her school. Shannon’s story is filled with warmth, humor, and life lessons that help children see that even when things don’t go as planned, the best ideas can bloom from life’s surprises.
Bug Hug, written and illustrated by Jake Buck, is a soothing story for children who are ready to sleep, but no matter how hard they try, sleep just won’t come. Every parent is familiar with the challenge of putting kids to bed. This book is a great help for these parents because it shows kids that they are not alone and help is a lot closer than they think. The story is about a little bug who needs help because nothing she tries seems to work. She tries to follow Lady Ladybug’s advice and dance in the moonlight, but sleep still avoids her. She listens to the spider’s music as it plucks on the strings of its web, but that doesn’t do the trick either. Finally, the simplest solution dawns on Bug, and sweet dreams arrive. What could be simpler and sweeter than a mother’s hug? Read the book and see for yourself.
