Dina Baine
Dina Baine is a first-time children’s book author with a heart full of stories and a past rich in love, laughter, and cookie crumbs. Born in Philadelphia, she spent her early years wrapped in the warmth of her mother’s care before moving to Plymouth Meeting to live with her dad, bonus mom, and six spirited sisters. From dancing to “Sweatin’ to the Oldies” to baking Cloo Cookies, Dina grew up in a home where love was loud, laughter was constant, and every moment mattered.
Her passion for storytelling began in high school, scribbling poems and short stories that mirrored the world around her. After graduating from Plymouth Whitemarsh High School in 1997, she found joy in nurturing young minds as a lifeguard and classroom aide. In 2023, she earned her Associate of the Arts in Teacher Education, graduating Summa Cum Laude—a proud moment that honored both her past and future.
Today, Dina works as an Instructional Aide in the library of her alma mater, where books and imagination live side by side. She lives in Eagleville, PA, with her husband and two of their four children, still inspired every day by the family who taught her that love makes the best stories.
Why I Wrote the Sweet Snack Swindle
The Sweet Snack Swindle started as a class assignment, but after heartfelt encouragement from my professor—who praised its message about honesty, friendship, and doing the right thing even if it’s not always easy—I knew it was a story worth sharing.
At the heart of the book is the “Cloo Cookie,” inspired by a very real treat from my childhood—Clue Cookies. I gave the name a little twist, but the meaning behind it is unchanged. These cookies were more than a dessert; they were a tradition I shared with my bonus mom and sisters, full of laughter and sticky fingers. Now, I make them with my own children. They’re a thread that ties generations together—sweet, simple, and full of heart.
Weaving that personal memory into the story helped bring it to life. I wanted The Sweet Snack Swindle to be more than just a fun adventure—it’s a tribute to honesty, to friendship, and to the small traditions that shape who we become. My hope is that readers—young and old—see a bit of their own family stories reflected in its pages.
This story is a celebration of the sweet, small moments that teach us big lessons. I hope it brings a smile—and maybe a memory—to every reader.
The Adventures of Sophia Snail 