Counselor Bee
75072 McKinney, Texas, United StatesBrandi Barnett was born and raised in Macon, Georgia. As a child, her very own library card was a must-have, and has now evolved into her becoming an author in those libraries and many more across the world. Without a doubt, her love of books has remained constant from childhood to adulthood. After being married, becoming a mom of 2 boys and graduating with her masters in School ‘Counseling from American Military University, she began to write children’s stories from her perspective as a school counselor and parent. She used her skills, knowledge, experience and curiosity as a means of communicating to parents that they are not alone! She started with the intention of filling in the void she noticed: the majority of children’s books did not address the importance of her fellow educators such as the School Counselor, School Psychologist, Administrators, Office Manger, School Nurse, Speech Pathologist, and the Special Education team. Ryder the Biter was her first children’s book, illustrated by Miruniskaya. It was loosely written based on the physical appearance of her niece but with fictionalized events to highlight how frustrating it can be as the parent of a biter, and to help parents (and other educators) understand the importance of teaching replacement behaviors and proper coping skills. After receiving such a positive response to Ryder the Biter, she began to write other books highlighting topics and scenarios that (in her experience as a school counselor) parents and children find difficult to navigate. As an author, parent, and counselor, Brandi strives to bring awareness to difficult topics, and breathe real life into characters, making them relatable and believable.