Friends, I‘m beyond excited that A BOOK ABOUT YOU AND ALL THE WORLD TOO (from Joey Chou, HarperKids Books and me!) has been selected for Illinois Reads 2024, and I’m thrilled that this sweet book will be in the hands of Illinois’ youngest readers and listeners at the beginning of their reading journeys. Thank you,… Read more »
Great Reads
TRAD – TRUMAN Read Aloud Day Coming 9/20!
Teachers and Librarians – I’m celebrating the start of a new school year on September 20th with TRAD – TRUMAN Read Aloud Day. Sign up for a free 15-minute virtual visit during which I’ll read this heartwarming, back-to-school story (which the NYT calls “An enchanting tale of bravery, heroism and undying devotion.”) followed by a… Read more »
A BOOK ABOUT YOU AND ALL THE WORLD TOO … and other news!
Dear Friends, I find it hard to believe that a year has already passed since I moved to Chicago. I’m loving life in the Windy City and planning to stay a while. I’m also finding that new sights, new sounds and new people all lead to new thoughts. Chicago is a great place to keep… Read more »
A School Library Journal Starred Review for A BOOK ABOUT YOU AND ALL THE WORLD TOO!
With the excitement of an upcoming book release, also comes a bit of worry … about reviews, that is. A good review is like a “Phew!” A great review is like a “Well, what do you know?” And, let me tell you, a starred review is full-blown, heart-in-your-throat gratitude and elation. Thank you School Library… Read more »
SYLVIE is a sight to be seen!
Friends, illustrator Lucy Ruth Cummins and I are absolutely thrilled that our sweet and surreptitious SYLVIE is a finalist for the Colorado Book Award 2023, the winner of the Children’s Book Council’s Favorites Award for 2023, a nominee for the 2024 Grand Canyon Reader Award and one of the Canadian Children’s Book Centre’s Best Books… Read more »
A GRAND DAY in The New York Times!
What a wonderful Sunday surprise! A GRAND DAY is in The New York Times!!! And the review calls it “a rollicking celebration of familial love, in all its intergenerational, interracial and differently abled forms.” So grateful for illustrator extraordinaire, Samantha Cotterill (Friends, her art will make you want to jump right into the pages!), agent… Read more »
ME AND YOU IN A BOOK MADE FOR TWO Review!
Friends, I’m loving this review from YA and Kids Books Central calling ME AND YOU IN A BOOK MADE FOR TWO a fun read-aloud “that will spark young imaginations” in “a charming, rhyming story about friendship and crafting your own story.” But if you’d like to read more, here’s the review in its entirety! “ME… Read more »
ME AND YOU IN A BOOK MADE FOR TWO is out today!
I’m thrilled to introduce you to my latest picture book! This warmhearted picture book celebrates the joy of sharing your story with a friend or someone special. Me and You in a Book Made for Two puts kids at the forefront and asks them to be the authors of their own stories. With its empowering and aspirational themes that… Read more »
A GRAND Dedication
I dedicated A GRAND DAY to my grandmother who lived with us while I was growing up – Nonna Fortuna. Her name was perfect because I felt so very fortunate to have her in my life. She was a gardener and a gatekeeper. She read to me even though she barely spoke English. She knit… Read more »
A GRAND DAY Case Cover Reveal!
Picture book creation is always full of surprises. And with A GRAND DAY, illustrator extraordinaire Samantha Cotterill and the rockstar team at Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books surprised me with this amazing case cover showcasing the scale and perspective of those beautiful 3-D scenes. I’m blown away! To find out more about A GRAND DAY… Read more »
My Books
