Born and raised in Indiana, JoLynne Ricker Whalen graduated from Purdue University with a B.A. degree in elementary education.  A member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), she has published stories in Highlights for Children, Children’s Digest, and Hob-Nob.  Her story “Belly Flops and Gutter Balls” is a featured audio story on the Highlights for Children website.  JoLynne is a Children’s Librarian Assistant at the Pewaukee Public Library. She and her husband Tom have two daughters, Kate and Kristi, and a cat, Halle.  JoLynne is a huge sports fan, and also enjoys movies and music.