"Why didn't I know this when I was younger?" That is exactly what author and former teacher, Peggy D Sideratos asked herself after learning how to move past some of the insecurities and self-doubt she developed due to bullying she endured in her youth. She made it her mission to use her experience and knowledge to prevent her students from having to carry similar emotional damage with them into adulthood. She realized that stories were a wonderful catalyst to address many of the social and emotional topics she knew kids needed. However, when she couldn't find stories on all the topics she wanted to address, she decided to author a collection of stories and lessons that parents and teachers could use with the children they loved. Peggy, a seasoned elementary school teacher, taught a variety of grade levels in NYC schools. She graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Masters' Degree in Bilingual Elementary Education and received her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Brooklyn College. Peggy also studied Social Emotional Learning and Character Education at Rutgers University. She has served as a Youth Coordinator for a non-profit organization and has worked with children and teens over the past 6 years to raise thousands of dollars for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Shriners Hospital for Children, and the Ronald McDonald House. Her love and devotion to children is the reason she has chosen to donate a percentage of the proceeds of her book sales to St Jude's Children's Research Hospital. Peggy lives in Brooklyn, New York, with her family and her dog, Junior and enjoys traveling to Greece. Visit her website, www.thelightgiverstories.com for free resources and additional information. STAMATIA MAVRIKOS was born and raised in Chios, Greece. She studied Elementary Education at Democritus University of Thrace and has worked as a teacher the past four years in Athens for Greece's public school system. She is a self-taught artist who has used her natural talent to create murals and paintings for many businesses, local municipalities and schools. Her artwork for the Light Giver series has integrated both her passions, her love for children and her talent for the arts. Stamatia also employs her devotion for both by providing face painting services for children's parties and events.