I am SOOO thrilled to share with you all the cover of my next picture book, WHAT WOULD YOU DO IN A BOOK ABOUT YOU? illustrated by the amazing Joey Chou. This book empowers kids, at any age or at any milestone, to dream big! And it comes out 4/6/21, from Harper Collins … just… Read more »
Thoughts from my Books
It’s a grand day for GRAND DAY!
You all know how obsessed I am with my grandkids! That’s why my latest book deal is a dream come true! As a matter of fact, when I first began to brainstorm the story, my third grandchild had just been born and I had recently learned that my fourth was on the way. I’ve drawn… Read more »
TRUMAN has won both the Crystal Kite Award and the Colorado Book Award!
Dear friends, It’s been a truly memorable few weeks. First, with my daughter’s engagement. Second, with the birth of my third grandchild. Third with the announcement of my 3-book deal with Harper Collins. And now TRUMAN winning not just one, but two major awards. I’m overcome with gratitude. But as you might expect, my excitement… Read more »
Low-tech Learning: Sound Surfing
Nearing the end of my book, Pup 681: A Sea Otter Rescue Story, our little pup draws comfort from the rhythmic rocking provided by her caregiver. Why? Because the rocking reminded her of the rhythm of the ocean waves. Young readers can easily learn the relationship between rhythms and patterns by exploring ocean rhythms and… Read more »
Low-Tech, At-Home Learning: Seeing the World Through Tortoise Glasses
When you change your point of view, your world grows. And that’s a beautiful thing. The following activity shows young readers what it might mean to walk in someone else’s shoes – or see from their glasses if you will – changing their perspective or point of view. It’s based on my book, Truman. And… Read more »
Low-Tech, At-Home Learning: Your Traveler’s License and Postcards
In my book Light Up the Night, a child ventures all through his universe – all the way from his galaxy to his bedroom. And his beloved red and white blanket becomes his rocket, his spaceship, his truck, his train, his plane, etc. as he travels. What a wonderful dream for any child. Well, let’s… Read more »
Low-Tech, At-Home Learning: Rhythm and Rain Sticks
“April showers bring May flowers.” How many times have we heard that? Interestingly, the rain stick project below is based on my book When the Snow Is Deeper Than My Boots Are Tall. And here in Colorado, we’ve got as much chance of April snow as we have April showers. But we’ve got the entire month… Read more »
Low-Tech, At-Home Learning: Sea Otter School
When sea otter Pup 681, Luna, was found, she was so young and so tiny, the Shedd Aquarium staff had to teach her how to act like an otter – it was almost like going to school. During my launch parties and book festivals for Pup 681: A Sea Otter Rescue Story, I invited young… Read more »
Low-tech, At-Home Learning: Decorative Dinosaurs
What kid doesn’t love dinosaurs? And so do most adults. But while kids are often ready with names and facts, there are some dino details that remain a mystery. Adapted from my book Time Out for Monsters!, this creativity project combines paleontology and art – perfect for all ages. You don’t need Time Out for… Read more »
Low-Tech, At-Home Learning: A Pup By Any Other Name
Luna, the sea otter pup at the center of my story Pup 681 became a true celebrity when the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago teamed up with Good Morning America to hold a contest for her naming. But until she was named, she was referred to as “Pup 681” – the 681st otter to enter the otter… Read more »
My Books
