When Don Smith approached me about a project he envisioned, I was immediately excited.  Don and I are members of a writing group called ‘The Wellies.’ We always looked forward to sharing our writing in the group meeting held once a week at our local seniors’ centre and yes we are seniors. Don just turned 90, I’m the kid at 73 and Marilyn Helmer, who soon joined us, is somewhere in between.

We launched our writing project at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. But it did not stop us from writing. Don kept himself busy collecting photographs and creating stories about some fantastic critters. I went to work on illustrating and formatting the books as well as writing a few for the cause. Marilyn contributed her wonderful writing skills and impeccable editing.

Together we are writing and creating what we believe is a fun way to inform children and adults alike about the creatures that share this world with us. Our books are gleaning five-star reviews, shortlists in competitions and a Book Series of the Year award from a prestigious children’s magazine.

Because of the positive response we have received from teachers using our work in their classroom setting we have decide to expand by working with teachers to develop Critter a Week Learning for the classroom. This is an exciting development for us and will be available in 2024.

Launching a business venture at this stage of our lives has been an exhilarating experience. It should succeed, after all, we are all Senior Partners.

We hope you enjoy Critter a Week and Critter Learning. It will keep us busy writing new stories.

Paul Hock