Vikki R. Franklin began her child development career directly out of high school. At her first job, a childcare center, she was recognized as having exceptional skills in caring for children and was encouraged by a leader in the school district to continue on this path. As a result, she has garnered a Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education and a Bachelor's Degree in Business. Ms. Franklin has dedicated over 40 years of her life to working with young children, from a classroom assistant to preschool teacher to Director of child development programs. Ms. Franklin's storytelling captures the hilarity (and wisdom) of childhood through her writing. She draws on her many years of real-life experiences, both with the children under her care and with her parent collaboration, which encourages exploration, creativity, problem-solving, and kindness. Vikki is happy to add her voice to the emergence of African American women storytellers who have been marginalized. Educational Memberships include the National Association for the Education of Young Children and The Early Learning Alliance, which affords the opportunity to connect with numerous child development programs. Vikki is a native of Southern California and currently lives in Los Angeles. She has two sons and a grandson.