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About
The STORY behind Sharon Thayer
Every meaningful story has a beginning, and mine began just after September 11, 2001, when I watched my business collapse almost as quickly as the Twin Towers. With my world suddenly turned upside down, my teenage daughter, Jessica, and I sat down together and asked one simple question:"What can we do that will bring joy to other families during this difficult time?"
That conversation led to the story that changed my life the very next morning.
In November 2001, I wrote The Story of Santa's Beard with one goal—to bring a little Christmas magic into the lives of children and families. What began as a simple story printed on green typing paper has since grown into hardcover, paperback, and bilingual editions, bringing holiday joy and creating treasured family traditions for tens of thousands of families.
Santa's Beard was only the beginning of my author journey. It was also the most unexpected. Having lived with dyslexia all my life, I never imagined becoming an author. But I discovered that while dyslexia remained my greatest challenge, creativity became my greatest strength.
Over the years, one story became many. Although each book is unique, they all share the same purpose: to strengthen families through traditions, teach timeless life values, encourage a connection with nature, and create memories that last for generations.
That vision eventually became Stories for Generations.
Long before I became an author, I owned a nature-based childcare center nestled in the mountains of Colorado. Watching children discover the world around them taught me that some of life's greatest lessons don't come from a screen—they come from exploring a mountain trail, sitting beside a quiet stream, watching a ladybug at work, or simply asking, "I wonder why?"
That love of nature continues to shape every story I write. Whenever possible, I hope to inspire children and families to step outside, explore together, and discover that adventures often begin just beyond the front door.
Along the way, I've been fortunate to work with talented illustrators, editors, designers, and publishing professionals who have helped bring my stories to life. Their creativity has transformed my words into books that families can read together, treasure, and pass from one generation to the next.
As long as I can hold a pen, I'll continue writing stories that strengthen families, inspire curiosity, celebrate nature, and remind children that the world is filled with wonder.
I don't simply write children's books. I write stories that I hope grandparents will remember reading, parents will treasure sharing, and children will one day pass along to their own families.
That is my dream...and I will never stop believing!
Sharon Thayer
Author of:
The Story of Santa's Beard
My Perfect Birthday Wish
A Tooth Fairy Named Mort
To the Ends of the Earth
Wonderfully, Perfectly Unusual!
If You Tell Me, I Can Fly!
Where Dreams are Born, A UT Tyler Story
Coming soon: Speak to Me, Great Spirit
Our Creative Team
Illustrator
Reuben McHugh
As a child Reuben picked up a passion for illustration from the influences around him; his parents who both went to Art school and his favorite children’s books, mainly Dr. Seuss and Richard Scarry. He studied Art and Design at Bradford and Lincoln Colleges. After leaving college in 1989 Reuben settled into a job in the greetings card industry and it was there that his passion for illustration really took over.
Illustrator of:
A Tooth Fairy Named Mort
To the Ends of the Earth
Wonderfully, Perfectly Unusual
Illustrator
Andrew Smith
Andrew was born in Liverpool and grew up in this abundantly creative city. Discovering he had a talent for drawing, he studied graphic design and gained a degree from Liverpool University. He went on to build a career illustrating greeting cards and more, recently children’s books. Andrew now lives in West Yorkshire, England with his family and enjoys hill walking in his free time.
Illustrator of The backstories:
A Tooth Fairy Named Mort
To the Ends of the Earth
Wonderfully, Perfectly Unusual
Graphic Artist
Jennifer
Swartwood-Walker
Jennifer Swartwood-Walker creator of The Ferrokin graphic novel series, has written and illustrated six books that always sell out at conventions. Known for blending fine art, science, and history, she's now working on the Devour series for Theory Comics. In addition to her own projects, Jennifer works as a graphic designer and project manager for various publishers, including this one! Living in Colorado with her husband, she's expanding her creative universe with new titles coming in 2025.
Translator
Daniela Herrero
Daniela Herrero is an experienced translator with a passion for stories. With 30 years of expertise and a background in Spanish, English, and Literary Creation, Daniela has translated children's books and poems, always seeking to capture the magic of every word.
Illustrator
Marci Chambers
Marci Haynes Chambers, aka M. Haynes Scott, has been making her living as a professional artist for the past 30 years. Painting holiday windows for retail stores while in Junior High School was her first art income. Marci's art has been featured on posters, books and magazines, steins, clothing, greeting cards and more. She spent her early years on the beach in La Jolla, but has traded the ocean and city life for the Colorado Rocky Mountains. She now lives at 9500 feet on a ranch in South Park with her husband, dog and 3 horses. Working time evolves around her many art clients. Marci spends her free time riding, skiing, doing the endless ranch chores or with her 3 grown children.
Illustrator of: The Story of Santa's Beard
Illustrator, The Backstory
Frank Pryor
This dynamic and versatile freelance illustrator was not born with a pencil in his hand, but cannot remember a time when sketching was not his passion.
A Colorado native and outdoor enthusiast, Frank lives in Denver with his wife and “muse” of 25 years, Yvonne, their four children, and five grandchildren.
Illustrator
Linda Nagy
Born in Atlanta, Georgia, Linda has been fascinated with art since childhood. She attended the University of Georgia where she earned BFA and MFA degrees in graphic design. Her career began at Hallmark Cards in Kansas City, MO where she designed greeting cards in watercolor media. Now retired in South Park, Colorado Linda writes and publishes Colorado Nature books.
Illustrator of:
If You Tell Me, I Can Fly!
Graphic Designer (1977-2020)
Jenny Hancey
Note from Sharon: Sadly, Jenny passed away in August of 2020. She was a Colorado native and lived on a small farm in the mountains south of Denver. She was happily married, with one energetic son and was a lover of all animals. She cared for their farm daily, including horses, cats, chickens, geese, and anything else that needed love and care.
Through our nearly 20 years working together she relentlessly pushed me at every level to bring my best to all my projects. Without her, the books you find on this site wouldn't be nearly as magical and wonderful. With every page you turn, the joy she brought to this world lives on.
She is greatly missed.