When Renee Barnes was a very small child, the globe was experiencing World War II. She and her younger brother were great pals and often found that they were their only playmates. She envied her brother's seemingly effortless physical abilities. While he was capable of climbing tall trees and walking fences. Renee tried doing these things but she usually fell. After some consideration she decided the ground was a safer place. She would sit and draw fairies and other imaginary friends who filled her mind. Though always an artist, it was not until 1994 when her youngest daughter became interested in ecology and the global environment that Renee created Katrinka Sweetblossom. This adorable little frog and her pals, Winslow the owl, Montebello the giant mushroom and Kopan the spirited wood fairy will keep you absorbed in their many experiences. All the forest creatures share in a variety of situations and challenges that keep you anticipating their next adventure. Renee's interior design business during the 1990's was exclusively the Family Entertainment Industry. This work included large murals and creating spaces where children could find learning with play in safe and enchanting environments. Since, her retirement from that industry, Renee has actively pursued her artistic talent. First, by bringing these captivating little characters for small children through wall art and now with her charming stories. Her core belief, that children should have their imagination encouraged through creative and safe environments is her life long passion.