Katie Walther loves to read! In fact, she's kept track of every book she's read since fourth grade in Aurora, Illinois. Katie enjoys sharing her passion for reading with students and teachers alike. She has taught middle school for ten years, and currently teaches seventh grade in Aurora, Colorado. Teacher, author, literacy consultant, and picture book enthusiast, Maria Walther taught first grade for 34 years. Currently, Maria partners with teachers in their classrooms and inspires her colleagues through engaging professional learning experiences. What educators appreciate most about Maria is her focus on joyful, realistic approaches toward classroom instruction. All of Maria's books are filled with helpful ideas for busy literacy teachers.