Friends – I’m absolutely thrilled to announce this new book deal and I’m beyond excited to be working with the brilliant and thoughtful Lauri Hornik at Penguin Rocky Pond AND the amazing and wonderfully talented Lynnore Bontigao. Check out Lynnor’s website at https://www.lynnorbontigao.com/ and get ready to melt while you browse her adorable art. Thank… Read more »
Thoughts from my Books
A Fun Trio For Your Back-To-School Bookshelf!
Are you looking for fresh reads for your back-to-school bookshelf? Try this trio! This series empowers kids to dream big and be the authors of their own life stories, while growing their social and emotional relationships too. Yes, there’s a lot packed into these sweet, little reads. And check out the FREE curriculum and activity… Read more »
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 »
Interview on the New Books Network!
Technical glitches aside, I had so much fun chatting with Mel Rosenberg on the New Books Network. We talked about my childhood, my family, my unconventional path to publishing and – of course – books! Have a look! Or if you’d rather just listen, here’s a link to the podcast! Happy Reading! Jean
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 Review!
Friends, I’m loving this review from YA and Kids Books Central calling ME AND YOU IN A BOOK MADE FOR TWO a fun read-aloud “that will spark young imaginations” in “a charming, rhyming story about friendship and crafting your own story.” But if you’d like to read more, here’s the review in its entirety! “ME… 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 »
A GRAND Dedication
I dedicated A GRAND DAY to my grandmother who lived with us while I was growing up – Nonna Fortuna. Her name was perfect because I felt so very fortunate to have her in my life. She was a gardener and a gatekeeper. She read to me even though she barely spoke English. She knit… Read more »
My Books
