News

Announcing a New Book Deal!

At the risk of sounding a bit like Bob, I’m so excited to start off a brand new year with a brand new book deal. And I’m thrilled to be bringing this braggy but loveable bear to life along with awesome editor Lauri Hornik at Rocky Pond Books (an imprint of Penguin Random House) and… Read more »

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 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 »

SYLVIE is one of the best books of 2022!

  Friends, Right before the end of 2022, we received some excellent end-of-the-year news! I’m so honored and excited that SYLVIE (from Lucy Ruth Cummin, Atheneum/Simon & Schuster and me!) has been named one of the Best Books of 2022 by The Canadian Children’s Book Centre! And we couldn’t be more excited. To find out… Read more »

Happy National Spider Day and SYLVIE PW Review!

Dear Readers, Happy National Spider Day! (Who knew?) And I’m celebrating with this lovely early review for SYLVIE coming 5/10/22 from Atheneum/Simon and Schuster, Lucy Ruth Cummins and me. Thank you Publishers Weekly!  https://publishersweekly.com/978-1-5344-6348-6   “In this standalone spin-off to Truman, a gray spider named Sylvie keeps a close eye on four of an apartment… Read more »

Appearances 2023

5/6/23     Hudson Children’s Book Festival    Hudson, NY 6/20-21    LITapalooza  Naperville, IL 6/24/23   Storytime at the Book Stall 10:30 AM    Winnetka, IL 9/30/23   Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival   Chappaqua, NY Stay tuned for more! To find out more about Jean’s School and Virtual Visits. To inquire about other appearances or to schedule Jean for… Read more »