News to Use

A 3-Book Deal: WHAT WOULD YOU DO IN A BOOK ABOUT YOU?

I’m absolutely thrilled about my latest book deal! WHAT WOULD YOU DO IN A BOOK ABOUT YOU? is due out in Spring 2021 and I’m so excited to be working with Joey again. Here’s the announcement: Antonia Markiet at HarperCollins has bought, at auction, What Would You Do in a Book About You?, written by Jean Reidy and… 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 »

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 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 »

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 »

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 »

Busy Builders, Busy Week! Book Bash Day 2

Welcome, friends, to Day 2 of my BUSY BUILDERS, BUSY WEEK! Book Bash. In my latest book, each day of the week features a colorful cast of animal characters and a different construction activity as the digging, dumping and ‘dozing lead up to one stupendous surprise! So, it seemed only fitting that for a days-of-the-week… Read more »