Self-dubbed as “Jane of all Trades,” Barbara has enjoyed many careers in her life, including banker, small business owner, and instructor. When retiring from teaching, isn’t it every English teacher’s goal to write the next great American novel? Barbara decided to write children’s picture books instead. This has proven to be one of her best and most rewarding professions. Barbara and her husband have lived in Phoenix, Arizona for over 45 years where they raised two wonderful children. As a family they enjoyed exploring most of Arizona in their RV. Barbara continues to explore the world, but since her husband doesn’t fly, her traveling partners are her son and daughter. Dogs have always been an integral part of the Renner family, but the best dog ever has been their rescue, a yellow lab mix named Larry. Barbara published Larry’s Words of Wisdom, an award-winning coffee table and gift book, to showcase Larry’s inspirational facial expressions and mannerisms. As a native of the Southwest, Barbara loves everything about the “dry heat” and gains her strength from the sun. Inspired by the covey of quail that run wild in her neighborhood, she wrote three informational fiction picture books about a Gambel’s Quail named Quincy. Her love of travel sparked an interest in writing two children’s books about Trumpeter Swans and four books about a juvenile loon named Lonnie. All her wildlife books contain scannable QR codes so children can hear the calls of the animals. Barbara loves to visit classrooms to read her books and interact with the children. Using her books in the presentations, she facilitates writing lessons, discussions about core values, and STEM-related topics.