Kiana Žavus

Photo credit: my son, Sylvain

Hello There. Thanks for stopping by.

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A little about me… I grew up in the wild woods of Montana tagging behind three big brothers, building forts and exploring hidden valleys.
Struggling with dyslexia throughout my childhood, I wasn’t a great story reader so I became a storyteller. One brother never gave up on my abilities to read and write. Thanks to his constant encouragement, I have the gift of reading. Thanks to spellcheck, I spell adequately enough to write.

As an adult, I’ve volunteered hundreds of hours at elementary schools with special attention towards young readers’ programs. I’m an advocate for early literacy programs in every community. And I believe in the superpower of libraries everywhere. Retaining a passion for sustainability, gardening, and children’s laughter, I’m also a lifelong lover of picture books for all ages, trees of all shapes, and exploration of all sorts.

My Prince Charming and I have raised four talented and kind-hearted sons. Our close family is above all whom I am most grateful for.

I hold a BA with honors in Geography from the University of Montana. I’ve written articles for Montanan Magazines and a scattering of my art and poetry is mounted on the walls of friends and family.

Living in Western Canada now, I’m likely to be daydreaming about my next adventure to the enchanted Great Northern Rockies. Otherwise, you’ll often find me in the midst of my garden (once hare-shared like a calmer Peter Rabbit scene) or shoveling through a snow-filled yard… and with any mercy I’ll be warming my back by the fire after.

Illustrations and photos by Kiana Žavus, unless otherwise credited.