I am Vicki Childs, author of the books
Amanda Flies High and
Amanda on the River. I was born in Eugene, Oregon, and have lived in Oregon most of my life. I taught school for two years in
Guam. Then I taught school for twenty-eight years in Salem, Oregon, where I now live. I taught third grade for
nineteen years before I retired in July of 2002. I like to travel and take photographs of the things I see. I
like to read books, especially children's books. I also like to write stories. Now I have time to enjoy
writing.
About twenty years ago I started collecting pandas. I have too many stuffed pandas to
put on the shelves in my house. They sit on the back of my couch, in chairs, and any place that I can find room for
them. I also have ceramic pandas, panda pictures and posters, panda sheets for my bed and a panda bed spread.
Did you know that in England they make Panda Cola? A friend brought me a can. Amanda is one of my pandas.
She has already taken two trips to Oklahoma, as well as to Chicago and Dallas, Texas. She likes to travel. I hope
that you will enjoy reading about some of her adventures.
I was given a hot-air balloon ride for my retirement. On that ride Kathy and I met
Jim Desch and several members of the crew. I did not know that it would lead to many adventures for both Amanda and
me. Amanda took her first balloon ride in September. She met Jim and the rest of the crew. Jim owns Balloon
Flying Service of Oregon. He is the pilot of the balloon Starship. We sailed above Salem and Keizer with Kathy
and Mary. It was such a beautiful and peaceful ride. Riding in a hot-air balloon is like walking across the sky.
During this summer I have been working with the crew of the Starship. We help to get the
balloon ready to go. We chase along in the chase van until we come to a landing zone. We help to land the Starship,
and pack it up at the end of the flight. It is hard work, but it is so much fun. I have ridden in the balloon eight
times now. In September I got to fly with my parents, brother, and sister-in-law . They thought the flight
was great. They want to go again. I enjoy it every time I fly. The ride is never the same.
During 2004 I spent time riding on the sternwheeler Willamette Queen in Salem Oregon.
I had taught Salem history for many years, but I did not know much about the riverboats. They were the most important
kind of transportation. I learned a lot about the history of riverboat traffic on the Willamette River. Captain
Richard Chesbrough helped me get information and told me many tales about the early boats that traveled from Oregon City to
Salem. I really enjoy riding on the Willamette Queen,
I hope that you enjoy the books about Amanda. I am looking for her next adventure.
I will let you know when I have found it. It will mean that I am having another fun adventure, too.
