Vicki Childs grew up in Eugene, Oregon. She attended the University of Oregon and graduated with an elementary teaching certificate. She later earned a certificate in educational m...view moreVicki Childs grew up in Eugene, Oregon. She attended the University of Oregon and graduated with an elementary teaching certificate. She later earned a certificate in educational media. Vicki taught elementary school for two years on the island of Guam. After twenty-eight year of teaching grades two through six in Salem Oregon, Vicki retired in July of 2002. She now has more time to spend on her hobbies. Vicki enjoys reading, needlework, photography, and traveling. She has always wanted to write children’s books. Vicki was given a hot-air balloon ride as a retirement present. On her second flight Amanda Panda went along. Vicki decided to let Amanda tell the story of their hot-air adventure. Since her trip with Amanda Vicki has flown several more times, and become a member of the balloon chase crew. She still lives and flies in Salem. This is Vicki’s first book.view less