Karen Jean Matsko Hood began writing as a shy author, but has now developed a voice all her own. Her writing always exhibits a unique story as well as a voice of empathy and purpose. Hood’s writing is strong-minded.  She is a meticulous wordsmith and combines stories with compassion. Hood has always loved children and is devoted to their needs. It is only natural that she would channel her efforts to include children’s books and poetry.  Hood writes both fiction and non-fiction children’s books.

     Hood reminds us of the importance of our links with nature and environment in our daily lives. Her writing carries the urgency and outrage with areas of current social injustice and inequality. The recurring theme in Hood’s work is to provide a voice for those whose struggles cannot be heard. Hood’s writing brings poignancy to the most hopeless of situations. She is romantic in her vision for a quest for dignity and social justice.

     Hood also writes about personal and spiritual themes.  She is passionate both as a feminist and as an active children’s rights advocate. Hood also works to encourage literacy for all ages. Her blend of traditionalism and modernism brings a unique style to her own poetic voice. She is versatile in her writing style and is able to incorporate a wide range of themes and topics. She has published many educational activity books for children such as Girls Can Do, Adventure Travel, and My Dentist and the Tooth Fairy.

     Hood was born and raised in Great Falls, Montana.  As an undergraduate, she attended the College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph, Minnesota, and St. John’s University in Collegeville, Minnesota.  She attended the University of Great Falls in Great Falls, Montana.  Hood received a B.S. Degree in Natural Science from the College of St. Benedict and minored in both Psychology and Secondary Education.  Upon her graduation, Hood and her husband taught science and math on the island of St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands.  Hood has completed postgraduate classes at the University of Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa.  In May 2001, she completed her Master’s Degree in Pastoral Ministry at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington.  She has taken postgraduate classes at Lewis and Clark College on the North Idaho college campus in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; through Taylor University in Fort Wayne, Indiana; University of Washington in Seattle, Washington; Eastern Washington University in Cheney, Washington; and Washington State University, in Pullman, Washington.  Hood is currently working on research projects to complete her Ph.D. in Leadership Studies at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington.

     Hood resides in Greenacres, Washington, along with her husband, thirteen children, and foster children.  Her interests include writing, teaching, and volunteering as a court advocate in the juvenile court system for abused and neglected children.  Hood is a literary advocate for youth and adults.  Her hobbies include cooking, baking, photography, indoor and outdoor gardening, and the cultivation of unusual flowering plants and orchids.  She enjoys raising several specialty breeds of animals including Icelandic horses, bichon frises, cockapoos, Icelandic sheepdogs, and a few rescue cats.  Hood also enjoys bird-watching and finds all aspects of nature precious.  She demonstrates a passionate appreciation of the environment and a respect for all life.

     You may contact Ms. Hood

through the publisher’s office:

Karen Jean Matsko Hood

c/o Whispering Pine Press, Inc.

P.O. Box 1469

Spokane Valley, WA 99037-1469 USA

Phone: (509) 927-0404‌│Fax: (509) 927-1550

Website: www.karenjeanmatskohood.com

Email: Karen@karenjeanmatskohood.com

     You may order Ms. Hood’s other books including poetry, fiction, and nonfiction for adults and children, by requesting them from your local bookstore and your local library.

Featured Books of the Month

Adventures of My Dentist and the Tooth Fairy Activity and Coloring Book - Second Edition:     Price: $17.95

Adventures of My Dentist and the Tooth Fairy Activity and Coloring Book

This second edition activity book written by author, Karen Jean Matsko Hood, will give your child many hours of enjoyment, throughout every page. The book is filled with activities that include word puzzles, word scrambles, mazes, coloring activities, and many more fun things for your child to actively complete and experience the sense of achievement. Your kids will cherish the companionship of Tiffany and the Tooth Fairy, along with her helpers, magic wand equipped Tessa and Trisha, as well as Sparkle, Glisten and Glimmer, who make it a wonderful experience as they take the mystery out of losing primary teeth and other dental milestones. This exciting book of activities and pictures introduces kids to the fundamentals of healthy teeth and mouth: fluoride, toothpaste, and brushing. The Adventure series has English, as well as the counterpart of Japanese in the books. An exciting way to introduce your child to both races and the children’s traditions. You will want each of your children to have this book of fun. Make a gift of the book to a friend’s child. 168 pp., 8½ x 11 inches. Whispering Pine Press, Inc. © 2008.

Girls Can Do Activity and Coloring Book     Price: $17.95

Girls Can Do Activity and Coloring Book

It is within the realm of all girls to know that they can do and learn anything, as long as they work hard. Girls Can Do Activity and Coloring Book , written by the author, Karen Jean Matsko Hood, shows girls how they can spend hours having fun with learning, such as: crossword puzzles, mazes, word searches, numbers, counting, math, ways to learn colors and word games that promote and develop self-esteem in girls at an early age. 160 pp., 8½ x 11 inches. Whispering Pine Press, Inc. © 2008.