The Author 's Story

Gloria Jean Bodenmuller grew up in a “migrant family” in the Santa Clara Valley and began to enjoy reading books at an early age.  She began writing while in school and was encouraged by her teachers and classmates.  While in high school, she wrote about school activities in the San Jose Mercury News, and more recently she has been published in Good Old Days magazine.  Gloria Jean has improved her writing skills by completing a correspondence course from the Long Ridge Writers Group and has taken Adult Education Classes on writing. She has also participated in Seminars on writing skills and has written for the bimonthly newsletter for the church where she attends.

Three years ago Gloria was inspired to write a children’s book after meeting the children at the school where her granddaughter, Laurel Shea, attends and where Gloria volunteers once a week.

After encouragement from a friend, she began to write the children’s book but soon put it aside.  Then in early 2008 she decided to complete the book, “Angels All Around Me.”  And thus, Gloria’s first book was published in 2008 and is dedicated to her granddaughter, Laurel Shea Bodenmuller, 7.  “It’s about how God places angels around children … around all of us.  Children today are frightened and this is a way to give them a sense of peace.  Although it was written for Laurel, it is meant for all children who often have fear they are unable to understand, be it from broken homes, money troubles or other adversity.  I love children and there is a little child in me that relates to them, making it easier for me to understand and write for children. God has gifted me in this way."

“Angels All Around Me ” uses appropriate passages from the Bible and conveys the message that angels offer their protection to everybody, every day.  Gloria also created all of the colorful illustrations in the book that help tell the story.

Gloria's second book, “My Very Own Book About Gardening,” is dedicated to her three grandchildren, Laurel Shea, Aubrey Joy and Steven Joseph.  This is a children’s book about gardening, based on Christian principles and is the first one in a trilogy on gardening, harvesting and processing food from the seeds we plant. The second book, which is about harvesting, is in progress, and the third book, which is about processing food, will soon follow.

Gloria's third book, "What is Easter," explains what Easter is all about. (32 pages) Included is an audio CD with narration by Gloria Jean.

Gloria's most recent book, "The Christmas Star," explains to children the true meaning of Christmas. (38 pages) This book also includes an audio CD with narration and music.