Priscilla Cummings facts for kids

Priscilla Cummings, born on April 13, 1951, is an American author. She writes books for children and young adults. She is famous for her picture book Chadwick the Crab and her novel Red Kayak.

Priscilla Cummings' Writing Journey

Priscilla Cummings was born in Ludlow, Massachusetts, on April 13, 1951. She grew up on a farm as the middle child of three. She went to the University of New Hampshire and studied English.

From Journalist to Author

After college, Cummings worked as a journalist for 10 years. She wrote for different newspapers in several states. In the 1980s, she moved to Maryland. There, she worked as a writer and editor for Baltimore magazine. During this time, she met journalist John Frece, and they married in 1983.

While still a reporter, Cummings started writing her first book. It was called Chadwick the Crab. Many publishers said no to her story. But in 1986, Tidewater Publishers finally agreed to publish it. That same year, Cummings had her first child. Three years later, she had her second child. She decided to stay home to care for them.

Focusing on Children's Books

To keep writing, Cummings began creating more picture books for children. She wrote several other books in the Chadwick series. In 1997, she published her first novel for young adults, called Autumn Journey. As her own children grew older and went to high school, she decided to write more young adult novels.

Priscilla Cummings' Personal Life

Priscilla Cummings is married to John Frece. They have two children together.