School Visits

Low-Tech At-Home Learning: Truman’s Obstacle Course

Students at Emerson Elementary in Elmhurst, IL – under the direction of awesome librarian Lauren Blanford – were the first to try this fun activity. And it’s a perfect STEAM project to try at home. While it’s based on my book Truman, illustrated by the amazing Lucy Ruth Cummins, you don’t need the book in… Read more »

Low-Tech At-Home Learning: Onomatopoeia Poems

Hi all, In the middle of this global crisis, parents, teachers, caregivers, librarians, publishers, authors and illustrators are all rising to the challenge of at-home learning. I’ve been trying to do my part by supplying links to my FREE Curriculum, Activity and Storytime Guides linked to learning standards for all my books. But I also… Read more »

Appearances 2020

New appearances are added daily! 2/6/20           CCIRA Denver 10:30-11:30 Noticings Wondering and Listerner-Led Read Alouds 2/7/20           CCIRA Denver RMC-SCBWI Panel 4:00 2/10/20          Willowbrook School Visit, Glenview, IL 2/11/20            Westcott School Visit,  Northbrook, IL 2/23/20         … Read more »

The PUP 681 Curriculum and Storytime Guide is here! And it’s FREE!

Dear Teachers and Librarians, My latest book PUP 681: A SEA OTTER RESCUE STORY is based on the true story of Luna, a rescued sea otter who now lives at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. It’s a heart-filled and hopeful tale about family and love which Kirkus – in their STARRED review – calls “unabashedly… Read more »

Today is the Day! PUP 681 is HERE!

I’m thrilled to introduce you to my latest book PUP 681: A SEA OTTER RESCUE STORY Here’s where you can buy your copy: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and IndieBound or request it at your library.  I’ll be celebrating and signing books at (click for more information): 3/16/19  Colorado Book & Arts Festival, Arvada, CO 3/22-23/19   Children’s Festival of Stories, Denver, CO… Read more »

Engaging the Picture Book Crowd

Here’s a short piece I wrote a couple of years ago. But it seems even more appropriate on the eve of World Read Aloud Day. Enjoy your reading, everyone! Engaging the Picture Book Crowd Whether it’s through quiet, cuddle time, conversation or comic relief, engaging the picture book crowd is a delightful task. I like… Read more »

Appearances 2019

1/29/19           North Jackson Elementary, Talmo, GA, School Virtual Visit 1/31/19            Martha Reid Leadership Academy, Mansfield, TX, School Virtual Visit 2/1/19             New Interdisciplinary School, Medford, NY, School Virtual Visit 2/1/19              Chamberlin Elementary School, Stephensville, TX, School Virtual… Read more »

Appearances 2018

2/1/18             Elizabeth Green Elementary School, Newington, CT, Virtual Visit 2/1/18             Providence Elementary School, Aubrey, TX, Virtual Visit 2/1/18             Palencia Elementary School, St. Augustine, FL, Virtual Visit 2/13/18           Tuckahoe Common School District, Southampton, NY, Virtual Visit 2/14/18 … Read more »