Earlier this year, I came to an uncomfortable realization. I owed too many books. Let me clarify that unexpected statement a bit. My HEART did not own too many books, but my HOUSE did. And, while my heart wanted to keep all those books, it also knew — deep down …
Happy book birthday to my writing pal, Linda Skeers! Woo-hooo!!! Look at this cover, folks. Doesn’t that beg to be picked up?! Linda is reeeeally good at writing sweet stories with humor and heart, and those elements abound on these pages, adorably illustrated by the funny and talented Heather Fox. …
As most of you know by now, Katey Howes, an extraordinary author, poet, and human, very unexpectedly passed away last month. I’ve known Katey for several years and I was so very excited that we were going to be presenting together on a poetry panel at ALA in San Diego …
While I love biographies, and teachers sometimes check them out for lessons, this part of the library collection has not been particularly popular with my students. They do, however, love sports books, whether of the fun facts variety, odes to favorite local teams, or photo-heavy manuals. A few weeks ago, …
From the publisher’s description: From internationally renowned, award-winning artist Edel Rodriguez comes The Mango Tree, an enchanting wordless picture book and a moving, fantastical take on his childhood experience as an immigrant. In a quiet village on a small island, two boys spend their days in a mango tree. High above the rest …
Hello, Picture Book Builders people. The end of another school year is HERE, and I have the perfect way for all of you to celebrate–Goodnight School. This gem of book is written by my pal and critique buddy Catherine Bailey and illustrated by Cori Doerrfeld. Gift it to a child! …
Hearing children learn a new word — even if their pronounciation is not perfect — is always a milestone moment. I specifically remember my oldest daughter excitedly referring to parking spots as “sparking pots” when she was around three years old. But, when the child learning a new word is …
Hello, my book-loving friends! Today I’m happy to introduce the first two books in a new series from Paw Prints (Baker & Taylor imprint) called BE BOLD!, authored by me. They are Sea Turtle Swims and Kangaroo Hops. I’m guessing these books will be shelved in a library’s nonfiction section. …
Hello, Picture Book Builders people. If you know me, you know I love to write funny and often heartfelt books that star farm animals. Well, I love to READ those kinds of books almost as much. My latest farm animal book crush is Moo Hoo written by Audrey Perrott and …
PEACHES by Gabriele Davis and Kim Holt tells the story of a little girl attempting to surprise her father with a homemade peach cobbler. This isn’t just any cobbler, though. This is the recipe her mother loved to make before she passed away. This tale of the way food creates …