Kim Radtke Bannister author/illustrator & mother of two little words is my brainchild as well as a creative outlet. The idea for the one-of-a-kind stories for children came to me about five years ago when my nephew was curious about his new stepbrother. As a writer who loved to interview people, I asked him to tell me what he wanted to teach his soon-to-be baby brother, and what kind of things he hoped they would all do together as a family. This led to a fun conversation about what he wanted the baby to know about his dad and what he admired about his stepmother. There were so many special and wonderful stories, memories, and details that I turned it into a book! I wrote a true-to-life, meaningful, rhyming story and hand-illustrated each page. He loved it, and our whole family cherishes it. I saw a purpose and future for doing this kind of book for other families and their loved ones...thus the birth of little words. For over a year, I worked on several different designs in creating the one-of-a-kind books for others. I wanted to create a personal storybook for my clients with the simplest of drawings, yet the deepest meaning of their family traditions, humor and love. My mission is to preserve cherished family moments, memories, and dreams. Today little words is now available to the public. Having earned a Bachelor of Arts in journalism and a Master of Arts in television/radio/film from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, I have always been drawn to the personal side of journalism, engaging the reader in life through my love and talent for writing. Intrigued by interesting and entertaining individuals, in 1998, I approached nationally renowned restaurateur, Phil Romano, with the idea of writing an authorized biography. Romano agreed and commissioned me to write his biography, an amalgamation of his personal and business history, as well as a keepsake for his young son. Favored by my interviewees for a non-invasive, yet extensive interview format, my writing is illustrative and imaginative, providing the reader with a glimpse into the personal lives of others. Other individuals I have interviewed throughout the years are Stanley Marcus, Norman Brinker, Justin Leonard and Andrea Mitchell. I have freelanced for The Dallas Morning News, WHERE Dallas, Dallas Home Design, Dallas Child and Dallas Family magazines. In 1997, I received an Honorable Mention from New Woman Magazine for my written work. © 2003 little words