A daughter, carrying her father's stories forward.

Gayle Belgram, daughter of acclaimed children's author Tom McGowen, was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. She comes from a family of four children and today is the proud mother, grandmother and keeper of many cherished memories of her father's remarkable life and career.

Among all her father's books, Sir MacHinery has always been one of Gayle's favorites. The story held a special place in her heart from an early age, captivating her imagination with its enchanting world of dragons, witches and extraordinary adventures. Through its rich storytelling and unforgettable characters, the book transported her beyond everyday life and inspired a sense of wonder that made the impossible seem possible.

One of Gayle's fondest memories of her father took place on her sixteenth birthday. Tom took the day off from work, allowed her to skip school and accompanied her to the Department of Motor Vehicles to earn her driver's license. After she successfully passed the test, he surprised her with a set of keys and gifted her his car, a birthday present she describes as unforgettable. With his trademark sense of humor, he told her, "Now you can cart your mother around."

Today, Gayle resides in Windermere, Florida, where she enjoys spending time with family and friends. Her favorite activities include boating, visiting Cocoa Beach, traveling, dining out and cheering on her grandchildren at baseball, soccer and football games. She especially treasures time spent with her grandchildren, including two who carry her name: Abigayle and Audrey Gayle.

Whether enjoying a day at Topgolf with family or gathering with friends, Gayle continues to celebrate the values of family, creativity and adventure that were such an important part of her father's life.