I have long admired writers whose gifts go beyond writing and creative skills. Because of my own organizational short-comings, I especially admire writers who devise new ways to market their work and the work of colleagues, and even manage to IMPLEMENT those ideas. Julie Hedlund is one such writer. I’ve …
Happy autumn! Because I’ve been here … … on the seat of a tractor for weeks now, sometimes with the help of a grandkiddo (they think…don’t worry, we aren’t moving in this photo), I’m having to skip an OUTSIDE THE BOX post this month (but, ooh, have I got a …
October is a month full of monsters. And I love ‘em! But not the terrifying, rip your throat out kind of monsters. Please, no! I prefer my monsters to be civil and harmless and with a full range of curiosity and empathy. And it doesn’t hurt if they are easy …
MEDITATION STATION is what I call a cutie pie book, which means it’s one of the cutest books I’ve ever seen. It reminds me that I can choose to “stay in the station” and focus on my breathing rather than dwelling on negative thoughts. Being a person with a busy …
Foodie picture book biographies are totally my jam. So I’m super excited to share NIKI NAKAYAMA: A Chef’s Tale in 13 Bites with you today. Co-authors Jamie Michalak and Debbi Michiko Florence, plus debut pb illustrator Yuko Jones were kind enough to answer some questions — and they’re giving away …
WARNING! Brace yourselves for some barnyard ridiculousness on October 19. That’s the release date for my latest book with Troy Cummings called One Sheep, Two Sheep. Feel free to pre-order a signed-by-yours-truly copy: Click here! Click here! Click here! This is what Kirkus has to say about this bedtime barnyard …
The Little Wooden Robot and the Log Princess is a fun and fabulous fairytale written and illustrated by Tom Gauld. What an intriguing cover— it feels like a magical seek and find right from the start. Then we move to the incredible end pages and I now have very high …
Twenty+ years ago, back when I was a beginning writer receiving rejection after rejection, a mentor/friend suggested I back up the truck and try writing for magazines. I know, now, that was simply his kind way of telling me I needed to better understand the framework of STORY. Anyway, I …
Of all the things we treasure in our youth, few things move forward with us. I was surprised recently to discover my three-year old granddaughter cuddling the panda in a red and black striped shirt, affectionately called “Toon” by my son, now 37. He loved Toon when he was about …
This month I wanted to share one of my favorite picture books of all time. I’m embarrassed to say I only discovered the book a few years ago, but immediately fell in love with the magical title, the stunning illustrations and the ingeniously original, lyrical rhyme scheme. On the off …