About Jim
Grandfather.
Birder.
Poet.
Storyteller.
Jim Roethe is a retired attorney, longtime bird enthusiast, poet, traveler, and grandfather whose stories began as a way to delight his grandchildren and grew into a new children’s book.
Jim has spent much of his life noticing the world closely.
A retired attorney based in Orinda, California, Jim is also a lifelong lover of birds, an author of poetry and travel books, and a grandfather with family in London.
Over the years, he has written books for family and friends, poetry inspired by birds, and reflections from travels with longtime companions.
His latest book brings together many of the things that have shaped his life: storytelling, grandchildren, birds, poetry, nature, and the belief that a good story can stay with a child for years.
How the stories began
For years, Jim told stories to his grandchildren in London. First came familiar fairy tales and fables.
Then came variations on those stories.
Eventually, his grandchildren wanted something new.
So Jim asked them to name a few animals.
They did, and he made up a story on the spot. There was only one rule:
Jim would add a bird.
That simple family game became a tradition. The stories grew more vivid, more refined, and more memorable until Jim began writing them down.