About the creators

Writing and sharing books with children has always been a passion for Thelma Godin, who is an award-winning author. Her first book, The Hula Hoopin’ Queen, received several awards including a starred review from Kirkus, The Charlotte Zolotow Award, Best of the Best Books from Chicago Public Library and Outstanding Achievement in Children's Literature from the Wisconsin Library Association. Thelma also had the honor of having Hula Hoopin’ Queen read by Oprah on Storyline Online and was thrilled when her book went on to be adapted for children’s theatre by the esteemed playwright, Gloria Bond. The Hula Hoopin’ Queen is now being performed for young audiences around the nation. The Hula Hoopin’ Queen was inspired by Thelma’s time living and working in an urban environment with children of diverse backgrounds and was informed by her degree and experience in social work and as a school librarian.

Additional books by Thelma include, How To Dress A Dragon, Hush A Bye Night: Goodnight Lake Superior and the soon to be released board book, HUSH A BYE NIGHT: GOOD NIGHT UP NORTH.

Thelma currently lives along the shores of Lake Superior with her husband Pat and her dog Pip where she writes, gardens and dreams up new stories.

Gloria Bond Clunie is an award-winning playwright, educator, and director. She is a founding member of the Playwriting Ensemble at Chicago’s Regional Tony Award-winning Victory Gardens Theater where her plays North Star, Living Green, and Shoes premiered and the founding Artistic Director of Evanston’s Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre. Other TYA works by this Northwestern University graduate (B.A. Theater, MFA-Directing) include Last Stop on Market Street, My Wonderful Birthday Suit, Giraffes Can't Dance - The Musical, and Dream, Quickie! Dream! Currently, she is excited to be in the midst of commissions for Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, Nashville Children’s Theater and the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta.

Community Partners

Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association (DNDA) is a non‐profit organization devoted to social, racial and environmental justice. We are dedicated to preserving and increasing affordable housing for a range of incomes, enhancing the natural environment, and providing such vital resources as arts and cultural opportunities, education and youth programs for our neighbors. Our programs for affordable housing and wetland restoration have become models for other communities.