Author

Shirley Holdman earned her undergraduate degree and a Master of Arts degree in Theater Education from Emerson College in Boston. Before closing her Performing Arts Studios of Dance and Drama, she enjoyed directing and choreographing musical theater for summer stock, colleges, community theater and high schools. Shirley loves writing, and has written plays for the stage and scripts for cable TV. Quiet moments include Bible study, gardening, baking cookies and walking with her dogs Giggles and Manny, an adopted Italian greyhound. Working in community outreach programs through her church and local volunteer committees fill her spare time with inspiration and enjoyment. 

Shirley is the founder of Billerica’s all day animal fair Four Paws in Action. The desire in writing this series has been to present situations that will open discussions with the reader so that the importance of self-esteem, confidence, and good decisions will be realized. One of her projects for the last two years has been visiting elementary schools and, with Giggles and Owen hand puppets, entertaining and teaching with Reader’s Theater. 

At the end of each presentation the children enjoy saying, “With pawsistence I can have my goal! Just watch my pawtential.” Shirley has donated this series of five manuscripts to the Billerica Adventure Series Corporation to help with their fund-raising. They in turn donate the profits to the community for educational enrichment projects. Shirley was awarded a Lifetime achievement Award from the Greater Lowell Community Foundation.