Jean Taddonio celebrates a life of hope and transformation, like her “rock-n’-rollin’ character R-QU, in her picture book, The Tale of R-Qu, a Rock Falls off his Mountain , Jean’s ‘trial-by-fire’ early adult life has healed into beautiful golden years where she’s willing and able to revel in spontaneous, often crazy, adventures. Jean’s been known to wrestle an alligator off a Louisiana swamp boat, impress her husband to join him for a sketchy repo caper, and request a stunt plane ride for her birthday! Mostly, Jean revels in her four adult children, several grand and great grandchildren, and the peace and beauty of the ocean—her favorite place. Jean Taddonio, native San Diegan and retired hospice nurse turned writer, lives her best life romping the beaches of Pacific Ocean with her pup, Ziggy and her Brooklyn born, Italian husband Jim.