by Heather Torres (Illustrator), Amber M. Ryan (Author)
This children's book sets out to normalize the feelings accompanied by the absence of a parent while either in prison or jail. Many children feel responsible for the separation and think they are all alone in their internal struggle for understanding. My Dad Is In Jail describes the good times and the bad times families face during this transition in their lives.
Author Biography
Amber M. Ryan is married with two daughters and currently resides in Lake Placid, Florida. She has a BS in Psychology from Florida State University and is currently completing her MS in Mental Health Counseling, with a specialization in Crisis and Trauma at Walden University. She enjoys Red Sox baseball and has a love for all sports in general. "This book weighed heavily on my heart for a few years before I actually sat down to write it. My biological father went to prison when I was 2 years old and the impact of an absentee father was felt at a very young age. I was fortunate to have another man in my life to call Dad, and for that I am forever grateful. I am dedicating this book to my niece, R.G.B., who now understands the unfortunate pain of a father in jail." A.M. Ryan ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR Heather Torres is an award-winning watercolor artist that lives in Orlando, Florida. She has been drawing and painting since she was a small child, growing up in the sugarcane fields of southern Florida. She exhibits her work in galleries and has been commissioned to work on custom pieces for interior designers, as well as private clients. "My Dad is in Jail" is the first book that she illustrated. In addition to her deep love of art, she is a university educator with more than a decade of marketing experience. She graduated with a Marketing BS from the University of Central Florida and a MBA from Belhaven University. When she isn't painting or teaching, she enjoys listening to live music and spending time her with husband and two young boys.