Dean is a veteran news reporter, editor, and columnist. He has earned critical acclaim for his delightful and educational children’s books about historical figures. He is a prolific and witty wordsmith.

Ask Dean about the secret to his success, and he’ll explain that good storytelling begins with good listening.

So, when he volunteered for a True Colors portrait, we found an empty park bench and captured Dean with his reporter’s notebook and pen, ready to take copious notes for his next piece.

Go ahead. Tell us your story. Dean’s listening…

.