Ever since I can remember, I’ve loved stories. “Tell me about the olden days,” I used to say to my mom, meaning, “What was it like when you were a kid?” “Tell me again how I’d climb onto your lap when I was a baby to eat your ice cream,” I’d insist to my dad. I even liked the stories about the boogieman my big sister made to scare me. My favorite toys were dolls and my favorite games involved playing pretend, which is really just another form of storytelling. And of course I loved being read to. Where the Wild Things Are. Harry the Dirty Dog. Harold and the Purple Crayon. Once, in kindergarten, I read a book aloud to my class. “She’s just making it up,” I heard one boy say to another. He was right that I couldn’t read yet, but I hadn’t made up a single word. I simply knew the book by heart because I’d had my mother read it to me so many times. I don’t remember what book it was, but I do remember it rhymed horse with of course. That was something else I was beginning to love: how words sounded when you put them next to each other in different combinations.

I started out as a social studies teacher over forty years ago. I left teaching to found and become the CEO of a large ground transportation company, as well as the author of over 70 books. I write in all genres and have two pen names. During the pandemic, I studied to be a medium and have been mentored by some of the greats in that field.

As you can probably guess, I am a fan of peanut butter. I’m nutty like that. But I live in France, and I can assure you that NO ONE eats peanut butter here except me.

When I’m not reading or writing I can be found either playing video games or watching anime. My favorite soft drink is Moxie, which is a well known drink in the New England region of the United States Of America. I actually dabbled in Computer Repair as a teenager and that was only to keep my computer from breaking down so I could write.

My name is Judith Shaw. I am a mother to two young men, Rashidi and Nathaniel, who are my motivators. I am married to a supportive partner Gary Kohut. I am a visiting home Registered Practical Nurse (RPN). I find solace in reading and writing poetry. I am a daydreamer. It was through daydreaming I was able to create my platform Black Coco Brown to celebrate my Culture, my Blackness and the Arts within my Culture. I also perform and organizes poetry events.

New Year is a new beginning….
It is the perfect time to look back and learn from past experiences and make resolutions for the new year. It is an opportunity to try new things, make changes in our life, start on a new path, and say goodbye to bad habits and problems. I really hope that 2023 will be kinder and healthier for all of you.

I immigrated from India to the United States as a baby with my parents. Formative years growing up in Texas in the 1970s and 80s, college years in Massachusetts, adult years in Texas and Minnesota, deep familial and cultural roots in India, and international travel shape my world view and values.

A couple fun facts about myself. I am adopted and have 20 brothers and sisters. I am a former beauty queen. And last but not least, I am an avid painter.

I’m a man that always seeks to get better. My journey of becoming an author is evidence of my passion for improving myself in every way imaginable. I’m a school teacher by morning, energetic football coach by afternoon, and a loving husband and father by evening.

hanks so much for having us! I’m a children’s author and poet, and Carina and I are happy to share our new book, A Colorful Beginning. It’s been a long time coming – meaning, we spent a few years trying to have it placed with a publishing house and we’re thrilled to have it finally be available to the reading and children’s community.