Lena Barker is a mother of four, a grandmother of eight, and an avid nature lover.  A native Texan, she has travelled much of the country during her life, but has always called Texas home.   She currently resides outside the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex preferring the serenity of lakeside living to the hustle and bustle of the bigger cities.  Two of her children also reside in Texas, while two others are married to members of the United States Air Force, and live in other parts of the country. It is Lena's love of nature, combined with her love of children, that inspired her to write "The Amazing Earth".  She sees that children are growing more dependent on technology while being less connected to the outdoors.  She hopes through this book, and through future endeavors, to remind both children and parents alike that our Earth is full of wonder.  Through her interactions with children, she hopes to show them that they, too, can write, and to impress upon them the importance of reading.    Most important, she hopes to make a step forward, even if only a small step, in helping children to realize that our Earth is truly amazing. As a single mother, she worked hard to provide for her children.  She found that owning her own business provided her the flexibility she needed when raising children alone.  Lena is active in sales, and real estate, and is now looking forward to writing.   Her hobbies include fishing, gardening, and oil painting.  She is currently working on two other children's books.