Hooray! GROUP HUG is out today from Macmillan/Henry Holt/Godwin Books, Joey Chou and me! Kirkus Reviews calls it “a captivating winner.” Publishers Weekly says it “radiate(s) a sense of unalloyed communal joy.” And School Library Journal calls it an “excellent storytelling experience.” If you’d like a copy for yourself or a young reader in your life, buying options are right here: IndieBound Barnes &… Read more »
picture books
WHAT WOULD YOU DO IN A BOOK ABOUT YOU? on TODAY’s Best Gifts for Babies!
Hey, friends! I’m beyond excited! WHAT WOULD YOU DO IN A BOOK ABOUT YOU? was named one of the TODAY Show’s best gifts for babies in 2021! The holidays will be here before you know it. So, check out this fabulous list! 40 Best Baby Gifts for 2021. To learn more about WHAT WOULD YOU… Read more »
Hooray for Tortoise Quilts and Color Proofs!
With my latest picture book WHAT WOULD YOU DO IN A BOOK ABOUT YOU? (illustrated by Joey Chou) coming out in less than two weeks, friends outside of publishing might think that I’m spending all my time and energy on promoting that book. And while, yes, a portion of time – think launch event planning,… Read more »
That time when TRUMAN traveled to Spain and …
a remarkable teacher in Barcelona introduced the story to her class. And her class created amazing art. And they all got to meet a real live tortoise. This is truly the best kind of e-mail. Hi Jean, My name is Laura and I am a kindergarten teacher in a public school in Barcelona (Catalonia). A… Read more »
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 and PUP 681 are both finalists for the Colorado Book Award!
With all of the other headlines lately, I forgot to mention this. Both Pup 681 and Truman are finalists for the Colorado Book Award. Colorado Humanities and Center for the Book will announce the winners today at this virtual ceremony right here on Facebook Live. https://www.facebook.com/events/261107828598260/ Lucy Ruth Cummins, Ashley Crowley, and I couldn’t… Read more »
Low-tech Learning: Sound Surfing
Nearing the end of my book, Pup 681: A Sea Otter Rescue Story, our little pup draws comfort from the rhythmic rocking provided by her caregiver. Why? Because the rocking reminded her of the rhythm of the ocean waves. Young readers can easily learn the relationship between rhythms and patterns by exploring ocean rhythms and… Read more »
Low-Tech, At-Home Learning: Seeing the World Through Tortoise Glasses
When you change your point of view, your world grows. And that’s a beautiful thing. The following activity shows young readers what it might mean to walk in someone else’s shoes – or see from their glasses if you will – changing their perspective or point of view. It’s based on my book, Truman. And… Read more »
Low-Tech, At-Home Learning: Your Traveler’s License and Postcards
In my book Light Up the Night, a child ventures all through his universe – all the way from his galaxy to his bedroom. And his beloved red and white blanket becomes his rocket, his spaceship, his truck, his train, his plane, etc. as he travels. What a wonderful dream for any child. Well, let’s… Read more »
Low-tech, At-Home Learning: Counting With Critters
If you think about it, there are dozens – if not hundreds – of ways to interact with a picture book. Exploring, discussing, and comparing details in the art are some of those ways. The art of illustrator Leo Timmers is loaded with discoverable details. Just flip through a copy of my books All Through… Read more »
My Books
