About
About The Author
Cherry Carl
Cherry Carl is a distinguished educator, internationally recognized literacy specialist and legacy children’s author whose five-decade career has transformed how children learn to read and write. Beginning her teaching journey in 1968, Author Cherry Carl quickly became an innovator in literacy education. Her work with Reading Recovery techniques helped struggling readers become confident learners, with remarkable success in her classrooms.
As a respected children’s books author and the architect of the University of California, San Diego’s Language Arts Specialist Certification Program, Cherry trained hundreds of educators who continue her legacy. Her course, Becoming a Reading Specialist in Your Own Classroom, became one of the university’s most sought-after offerings. Throughout her career, she has been inspired by leading voices in children’s literature and literacy education.
Cherry’s creative energy extends far beyond the classroom. As an educational author for children, she has composed over 1,000 original songs and poems designed to support literacy development. Her literacy programs and teaching materials have been used in homes and classrooms around the world. Katie’s Kids are the featured vocalists on her CD, bringing her educational songs to life for children, parents and educators.
Her poetry collections, including Julian: The Apple of My Eye, have earned international acclaim, with readers from Norway to Australia requesting copies. Today, Cherry Carl, a beloved children’s books author, continues to inspire educators, parents and young readers with her unwavering belief that every child deserves to experience the magic of literacy.
Contributing Illustrator
Ron Leishman
Ron Leishman worked for 22½ years as a junior high teacher for the Calgary Board of Education, where he taught art and computer graphics and led award-winning yearbook programs. His students earned numerous honors, including Best Junior High Yearbook in Canada in 1999.
Alongside teaching, Ron pursued freelance cartooning, serving as a contributing editorial cartoonist for the Calgary Herald. His creative work also includes greeting card design and book illustration.
In 1996, he launched Toonaday.com, where he has produced a daily cartoon for subscribers for over 29 years. Ron also operates the Ron Leishman Digital Toonage store on Teachers Pay Teachers, providing teacher-friendly clipart to educators across North America.
Alongside teaching, Ron pursued freelance cartooning, serving as a contributing editorial cartoonist for the Calgary Herald. His creative work also includes greeting card design and book illustration.
In 1996, he launched Toonaday.com, where he has produced a daily cartoon for subscribers for over 29 years. Ron also operates the Ron Leishman Digital Toonage store on Teachers Pay Teachers, providing teacher-friendly clipart to educators across North America.
Contributing Illustrator
Helena Normark
Helena Normark was born in northern Sweden and currently lives in Trondheim, Norway, a country she loves for its natural beauty and peaceful lifestyle.
In 1997, she created her first website and illustrated custom graphics, turning a hobby into a globally recognized creative business. Today, Helena designs graphics full-time for her websites, GraphicGarden.com and Art4Crafts.com.
Her interests include photography, animals, nature, reading, flowers, long walks and winter sports such as cross-country skiing and ice skating.
In 1997, she created her first website and illustrated custom graphics, turning a hobby into a globally recognized creative business. Today, Helena designs graphics full-time for her websites, GraphicGarden.com and Art4Crafts.com.
Her interests include photography, animals, nature, reading, flowers, long walks and winter sports such as cross-country skiing and ice skating.
Contributing Author
Paula Peterson
Paula Peterson’s journey into education began through her close bond with Cherry Carl. Inspired by Cherry’s dedication to teaching and literacy, Paula pursued her own career in education, earning degrees in elementary education, special education and a master’s degree in Special Education.
Paula became an exceptional Resource Specialist, known for her parent-friendly approach, clear learning plans and student-centered goals. Her work made a lasting impact on students, educators and administrators alike and she remains in contact with many former students to this day.
Together, Paula and children’s books author Cherry Carl collaborated on numerous thematic lessons and educational materials. Even in retirement, Paula continues to support Cherry’s publishing projects, website development and creative initiatives.
A trusted collaborator and lifelong friend, Paula is a valued co-author whose dedication strengthens Cherry’s mission as an educational author for children.
With Love, Cherry
Paula became an exceptional Resource Specialist, known for her parent-friendly approach, clear learning plans and student-centered goals. Her work made a lasting impact on students, educators and administrators alike and she remains in contact with many former students to this day.
Together, Paula and children’s books author Cherry Carl collaborated on numerous thematic lessons and educational materials. Even in retirement, Paula continues to support Cherry’s publishing projects, website development and creative initiatives.
A trusted collaborator and lifelong friend, Paula is a valued co-author whose dedication strengthens Cherry’s mission as an educational author for children.
With Love, Cherry
About The Freelancer
Leabeth Teluch
Leabeth Teluch is a Global Supply Chain Sustainability Leader for GE Vernova and supports Cherry Carl through freelance collaboration outside her corporate role. With a background in engineering and business and over 10 years of operational management experience, she brings strategic insight and technical expertise to the team.
Leabeth supports Author Cherry Carl with website design, content edits, copywriting, program management and innovation, helping expand the digital presence of this legacy children’s author.
Leabeth supports Author Cherry Carl with website design, content edits, copywriting, program management and innovation, helping expand the digital presence of this legacy children’s author.