About the Author
Laura Lee Lockwood was born and raised in Dallas, Texas. She
earned an education focused on Psychology (BS - TAMU), Counseling (MA - Amberton University), and Hypnosis (Doctorate - AHU).
Laura was driven to work with children and started her career as a Residential Treatment Counselor for the YMCA in 1990. The children were ages 10 -17 and came from abusive and neglectful situations. In 1991, she started her Masters in Counseling and began working part time for the YMCA and full time for The Texas Department of Criminal Justice as a Parole Officer for repeat and violent offenders. After graduation, Laura went on to work as a Case Manager for The Texas Youth Commission. In 2000, Laura was elected to the Board of Directors for the Sunset Foundation. She developed a mentoring program assisting high school graduates to successful transition from a lower socioeconomic high school environment to attending major universities from 2000 - 2008. In 2009, Laura started a business working with children for babysitting, tutoring, and counseling services until she left for New Zealand in 2019 shortly before COVID-19.
Laura successfully immigrated to New Zealand and is proud to report she is a Resident and will eventually gain Citizenship. Laura has always been passionate about children and making their lives better. She felt this was the correct time to write and publish Cuddle Up & Goodnight.
Her sincerest hope is that each child receives a daily hug.
HUGS MATTER
About the IllustratorHer fascination with those images turned into a deep admiration for the art of storytelling through visuals. Even after reading the same books countless times, she would sit in awe, studying the drawings that made each story feel alive. Today, Mehk channels that same wonder and joy into her work.
When she creates illustrations for children's books, Mehk feels transported back to that library, reliving the excitement and imagination of her childhood. Her ability to connect with her inner child allows her to craft illustrations that resonate deeply with young readers, sparking their creativity and inspiring their love for books.
With a unique style that blends whimsy and warmth, Mehk has become a trusted illustrator for countless authors. Her work continues to ignite joy and curiosity in the hearts of children, reminding her every day of the magic she once found in the pages of her favorite storybooks.