Melba Pena was born in Brownsville, Texas on January 17, 1949. Making up stories with her children was always the most fun for her. She is a published poet and has published a book of poems and short stories. She has several poems and short stories published in Texas and several anthologies. She also contributes most of her artwork to help illustrate her poetry and tales. Reaching out to touch people's hearts is her goal. Alouicious, protector of the weak was written as an extension of the poem, Teddy Bear Massacre of 1996. The poem received such good reviews I tried it as a children's story and also got a good review through the poetry circles. It is recommended for children ages 5-12 yrs old. Try it and enjoy the unique style of this author. This book is also about an ongoing problem that has been ignored for years but is not getting the needed attention it deserves. Bullies. If your child has been bullied in or out of school, here is a warm story of friendship for the vulnerable needing help.

“My name is Tiny Morsel. That’s what the eagle calls me because I’m not big enough for a meal. But she says she can wait.” “Oh, my, cried Alouicious.”

Melba Pena was born in Brownsville, Texas on January 17, 1949. She was often catagorized as a day dreamer and was caught looking out the window for long periods during school. Her first insterest in writing began in her Junior year of High School. She would make up stories and liked them best when written in free verse. She never would have taken it seriously until she became ill with Parkinsons and RA at the age of 50 years. This gave her the incentive to accomplish something that was a part of her before she could not. Fate put a time clock on her which gave her the fire to explore the arts since she could not use her fingers well for music , and she replaced her lose with writing and painting which calmed her tremors. She agrees when God closes one door, He opens another. She has recently placed in two contests and published two more short stories which can also be found on Amazon.com. She hopes to finish her own personal book in the near future. It will have poetry for all ages, short stories, poetry in all genre, free verse, prose, some happy, most sad, some spiritual.