Recently, my Young Adult novel-in-verse was featured on Deborah Kalb’s blog. Four years ago through DNA testing, I learned a life-altering family secret…the father who raised me was not my biological father. The Complete Book of Aspen is based on my true DNA experience. The story is Aspen’s, but we share the gamut of emotions. Head over to Deborah’s blog to learn about why I wrote this book and how it came to be by clicking on the link above or the book cover below.
Read moreCover Reveal: YA Novel-In-Verse
When Aspen’s best friend gives her a DNA test kit, a half teaspoon of spit is all it takes to discover her entire life has been a lie.
I am proud to share the cover of my debut young adult novel releasing May 30, 2022! This is the book of my heart. This is the book based on my true story. This book helped me through a very real, very difficult time in my life. Four years ago, I took a DNA test and discovered the man who raised me and whom I loved dearly was not my biological father.
Read moreCover Reveal! The Thank You Book
If you are like me, just looking at this cover with art by Juliana Perdomo will make you happy! I’m pleased to be able to share it with you finally! Take a look below at the summary and get a sneak peek of the interior. In stores on September 6, 2022, just in time for Thanksgiving.
Read moreBlooming Soon! Rooftop Garden
We sowed the seeds for this book last year and I’m thrill to say it’s ready to bloom on May 16th! It was a joy to work with the team at Barefoot Books. Their vision, along with illustrator Pati Aguilera and singer Holly Turton was just the right mix for this joyful singalong! Readers can scan the QR code on the back cover for the audio and video. “Prepare the food and take a seat. Pass a plate, and let’s all eat. A garden feast! Oh, what a treat!” “Yum, garden! Yum, garden! Yum, yum, yum!”
Read moreChoo Choo! A New Board Book is Chugging into Stores Soon
I love it when I get to share a new cover for an upcoming book, especially when it’s a chunky, train-shaped board book for my littlest readers! Wake Up, Freight Train! will be released by Little Simon on March 1, 2022, but it’s available for pre-order now (see below for links). I’m in love with the colorful illustrations by Jon Andersen!
Read moreA “GNU” Book for Kids
I’m excited to share my next picture book releasing March 1, 2o22 by Amicus Ink, and available for pre-order now!
When a box of cell phones is accidentally delivered to the zoo, one blue gnu quickly calls two white sheep, who plan a party—beep beep beep! Call by call, the party spreads around the zoo, but oh no! Who invited the hungry tiger? And who will he call on his new phone? Get ready for this giggle-enticing “gnu” book!
Read moreSharing the Book Love: Ways to Support your Favorite Authors and Illustrators
I love what I do! Writing books for children is my passion and a dream job come true. Part of an author or illustrator’s job is promoting their books to make sure they get into the hands and minds of little readers. Most creatives don’t have the means to hire professional publicists, so they do what they can. School visits, bookstore signings, blogging, and community events are all great ways to share the book love, but we also rely on good old fashioned word of mouth.
Read moreBest Children’s Books about Birds: My review list on Shepherd
Have you all heard about Shepherd? It’s a beautiful, easy to navigate website dedicated to helping adult readers and parents of littles find great books on every subject imaginable. The site is set up in categories with shelves of similar books accompanied by reviews and recommendations from authors who know a thing or two about the subject. It’s “like browsing the best bookstore in the world.”
Read moreBook Crew 2022 Launch Team: Cue the Confetti
If there is one thing I’ve learned in my 20-plus years of writing books for kids, it is that the community of children’s book writers, illustrators, and creators are wonderfully supportive. We share the ups and downs of this rewarding and, yes, difficult at times, business with one another and I feel blessed to have made many lifelong friends along the way.
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