jean

WHEN THE SNOW IS DEEPER THAN MY BOOTS ARE TALL is out today!

There’s something magical about snow – whether you’re rolling it, stomping it, or watching it from your window. I happen to LOVE snow. That’s why I’m so excited to reveal my latest book – out today. And I’m loving this Kirkus review! “… this snow ballad (with repeated and expanding chorus and onomatopoeic exclamations) sings:… Read more »

TRUMAN Wins Parents’ Choice Gold Award!

In the “treats” category today – TRUMAN has been selected as a Parents’ Choice Gold Award Winner! Lucy Ruth Cummins and I are so VERY honored. No celebratory donuts handy. But then again, all that Halloween candy is just sitting there … hmmmmm. Here’s what they had to say: “Truman is a very small tortoise,… Read more »

Horn Book’s Lovely Review of TRUMAN!

I love when a reviewer so completely understands a book. Horn Book captures an element that many miss – that Truman’s journey parallels “a child’s own first journey into the unknown that is school.” Thank you, Julie Danielson for this lovely review! “Most picture books chronicling the first day of school focus on the small… Read more »

TRUMAN in the New York Times!

Walking to the store reminds me of my once “big city” life. And while today I heard no honking taxis or growling trash trucks or shrieking cars, I did buy a big city newspaper and a donut … because it’s not every day that a tiny urban tortoise makes his New York Times debut. Here’s… Read more »

Introducing … TRUMAN!!!

I’m thrilled to introduce you to my latest book TRUMAN! Here’s where you can buy your copy: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, IndieBound I’ll be celebrating and signing books at (click for more information): 7/14/19       The Boulder Bookstore, Boulder, CO, TRUMAN Launch Party 8/3/19        The Book Stall Bookstore, Winnetka, IL, TRUMAN Launch Party 8/24/19      Book People Bookstore,… Read more »

Another Bright and Shiny Starred Review for TRUMAN!

This time from School Library Journal. I’m brimming with pride! “’Truman was small, the size of a donut—a small donut—and every bit as sweet’ accurately describes a turtle who has a very close relationship with his Sarah. The tiny reptile knows something’s up when Sarah gives him extra green beans, buttons up a brand new… Read more »

Booklist Loves TRUMAN!

What a way to start the week! This review makes my heart sing. Oh, Booklist – Truman and I thank you! “’Truman was small, the size of a donut—a small donut—and every bit as sweet.’ So begins the utterly heartwarming story of a tortoise and his girl, Sarah. Truman lives on a windowsill overlooking the… Read more »

Communication Inspiration from LIGHT UP THE NIGHT

Virtual visits are always a treat, but they take on extra value and depth when students lead the lesson. Such was the case with Laurie Ann Moore’s Copper Hill Elementary (Ringoes, NJ) 3rd-grade class. The students’ readings of their thoughtful and personal poems and presentation of their related artwork not only made for a most-memorable… Read more »