KIRKUS REVIEW A tiny tortoise discovers just how brave he is when his girl unexpectedly takes a bus headed away from home. Truman, like his girl, Sarah, is quiet, “peaceful and pensive,” unlike the busy, noisy city outside their building’s window. In just the first few spreads, Reidy and Cummins manage to capture the close… Read more »
jean
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 »
A Bright, Shiny Starred Review for PUP 681!
On the heels of a weekend stuffed full of gratitude, comes an extra dollop of good news … a bright, shiny starred review for PUP 681. “Unabashedly adorable.” Thank you, Kirkus! “An abandoned baby sea otter is rescued and sent to live out her life in an aquarium—where she learns the deepest meaning of “family,”… Read more »
Tuesdays for Teachers: Opinion Pieces for Early Learners
After a recent Skype school visit, I received a fabulous file of “Best Book” reports from a phenomenal first-grade class … which reminded me, author studies and opinion pieces are not just for big kids. By reading, together as a class, several books by the same author – and maybe even scheduling a virtual visit… Read more »
Monday, Tuesday … Mentor Text Poetry
Early learners master days of the week quickly – and there are plenty of picture books that can help them do that – including my BUSY BUILDERS, BUSY WEEK! A days-of-the-week picture book can also serve as a fun mentor text or a basis for a calendar activity. Students – or the class all-together – can… Read more »
First the sprinkles, and now the cover!
Look what just went live! Another cover (and a peek at some pages)! I can’t wait for the world to meet TRUMAN – because it takes courage to see new sights, hear new sounds, think new thoughts … and go after what we love. Right? Illustrated by the amazing Lucy Ruth Cummins and edited by the… Read more »
Cover Reveal: PUP 681
Back in 2015, I received this incomparably sweet illustration from my agent, Erin Murphy. Her message: “What would you think about writing this otter pup’s story?” AWWWW! I soon learned that the art was inspired by an actual rescued sea otter pup living at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago – a place I LOVE. So… Read more »
My Books
