Buddy the Soldier Bear is Marie Joy's first children's book. It began as a sketch of a bear on a piece of paper at work one day, and developed into a charming tale that gives back to those who serve our country. Marie has a master's degree in Leadership from Grand Canyon University. She volunteers with the Blue Star Moms. She grew up in Massachusetts and New Jersey and currently resides in Scottsdale, Arizona with her husband. She has worked in healthcare, education, publishing, and the travel industry. She loves to travel and is a self-proclaimed "cruise addict," though one of her favorite places to travel is visiting her beloved grandsons in Kentucky. Marie's dad served in WWII and her oldest son served in Iraq and Afghanistan. When sending care packages to soldiers, she always dreamed of writing a children's story that could give back to our brave warriors. Through her writing, she hopes to inspire children to dream big, and to bring awareness to military and veteran causes. Buddy the Soldier Bear donates to nonprofit organizations who support active duty military and veteran's causes.