Dear Reader, It’s Sea Otter Awareness Week! Let’s spread the word! While researching my book PUP 681: A SEA OTTER RESCUE STORY, I fell in love with sea otters and learned so many fun sea otter facts. Here are a few of my favorites: Sea otters have a pocket of loose skin under their forelegs… Read more »
sea otter
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: Sea Otter School
When sea otter Pup 681, Luna, was found, she was so young and so tiny, the Shedd Aquarium staff had to teach her how to act like an otter – it was almost like going to school. During my launch parties and book festivals for Pup 681: A Sea Otter Rescue Story, I invited young… Read more »
Low-Tech, At-Home Learning: A Pup By Any Other Name
Luna, the sea otter pup at the center of my story Pup 681 became a true celebrity when the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago teamed up with Good Morning America to hold a contest for her naming. But until she was named, she was referred to as “Pup 681” – the 681st otter to enter the otter… Read more »
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 »
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 »
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