Teachers and Librarians – I’m celebrating the start of a new school year on September 20th with TRAD – TRUMAN Read Aloud Day. Sign up for a free 15-minute virtual visit during which I’ll read this heartwarming, back-to-school story (which the NYT calls “An enchanting tale of bravery, heroism and undying devotion.”) followed by a… Read more »
News
A BOOK ABOUT YOU AND ALL THE WORLD TOO … and other news!
Dear Friends, I find it hard to believe that a year has already passed since I moved to Chicago. I’m loving life in the Windy City and planning to stay a while. I’m also finding that new sights, new sounds and new people all lead to new thoughts. Chicago is a great place to keep… Read more »
A School Library Journal Starred Review for A BOOK ABOUT YOU AND ALL THE WORLD TOO!
With the excitement of an upcoming book release, also comes a bit of worry … about reviews, that is. A good review is like a “Phew!” A great review is like a “Well, what do you know?” And, let me tell you, a starred review is full-blown, heart-in-your-throat gratitude and elation. Thank you School Library… Read more »
SYLVIE is a sight to be seen!
Friends, illustrator Lucy Ruth Cummins and I are absolutely thrilled that our sweet and surreptitious SYLVIE is a finalist for the Colorado Book Award 2023, the winner of the Children’s Book Council’s Favorites Award for 2023, a nominee for the 2024 Grand Canyon Reader Award and one of the Canadian Children’s Book Centre’s Best Books… Read more »
SYLVIE is one of the best books of 2022!
Friends, Right before the end of 2022, we received some excellent end-of-the-year news! I’m so honored and excited that SYLVIE (from Lucy Ruth Cummin, Atheneum/Simon & Schuster and me!) has been named one of the Best Books of 2022 by The Canadian Children’s Book Centre! And we couldn’t be more excited. To find out… Read more »
ME AND YOU IN A BOOK MADE FOR TWO is out today!
I’m thrilled to introduce you to my latest picture book! This warmhearted picture book celebrates the joy of sharing your story with a friend or someone special. Me and You in a Book Made for Two puts kids at the forefront and asks them to be the authors of their own stories. With its empowering and aspirational themes that… Read more »
Happy National Spider Day and SYLVIE PW Review!
Dear Readers, Happy National Spider Day! (Who knew?) And I’m celebrating with this lovely early review for SYLVIE coming 5/10/22 from Atheneum/Simon and Schuster, Lucy Ruth Cummins and me. Thank you Publishers Weekly! https://publishersweekly.com/978-1-5344-6348-6 “In this standalone spin-off to Truman, a gray spider named Sylvie keeps a close eye on four of an apartment… Read more »
Appearances 2023
5/6/23 Hudson Children’s Book Festival Hudson, NY 6/20-21 LITapalooza Naperville, IL 6/24/23 Storytime at the Book Stall 10:30 AM Winnetka, IL 9/30/23 Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival Chappaqua, NY Stay tuned for more! To find out more about Jean’s School and Virtual Visits. To inquire about other appearances or to schedule Jean for… Read more »
A Glowing GROUP HUG Review from Across the Pond!
I was thrilled when GROUP HUG was sold by the Macmillan sub-rights team for publication in the UK by Scallywag Press. And now readers the world over are enjoying this sweet story of friendship and inclusivity. So, I’m especially excited that Books for Keeps, the UK’s leading children’s book magazine, discovered it too … and… Read more »
GROUP HUG Kindness Craft – Make a “Hug” Jar!
Since my latest book GROUP HUG hit bookstore and library shelves, I’ve had so much fun reading and talking about hugs. But as we all know, and especially now, hugs aren’t appropriate or possible in every situation. But there are so many ways to show kindness. We can offer a kind word. Help with a… Read more »
My Books
