Rewriting The Rules: How Dr. Kathleen Friel Created New Possibilities for Brain Research and Disability + Interview with debut author Danna Zeiger + a GIVEAWAY!

I’m very excited to share with you all a wonderful picture book biography called REWRITING THE RULES: How Dr. Kathleen Friel Created New Possibilities for Brain Research and Disability, written by Danna Zeiger and illustrated by Josée Bisaillon. It comes out from Millbrook Press on September 9th.  Here’s my review …

Continue reading

Cover Reveal! WORTHY: THE BRAVE AND CAPABLE LIFE OF JOSEPH PIERCE & Interview with Illustrator Youa Vang

I’m thrilled to reveal the cover of my next picture book, WORTHY: THE BRAVE AND CAPABLE LIFE OF JOSEPH PIERCE, illustrated by Youa Vang! It’s a nonfiction biography of a Chinese boy who was sold to an American ship captain in 1855 and raised by the captain’s family in Connecticut. …

Continue reading

The Heartbeat Drum by Deidre Havrelock, illustrated by Aphelandra

The winter solstice has passed. Every year, I look forward to the sense of renewal and hope that comes with the lengthening days, the additional sunlight. Today I want to call attention to people who bring light and hope to others. As author Deidre Havrelock and illustrator Aphelandra share in …

Continue reading

PB Pair: Julie Andrews and her unforgettable voice

Today I want to share a lovely picture book pairing: one is a nonfiction biography and the other is a fictional tale written by the subject of the biography and her daughter. Who else could it be but the amazing and multitalented Dame Julie Andrews! In SONG AFTER SONG: THE …

Continue reading

THE SWEETEST SCOOP – Interview with illustrator Stacy Innerst (+giveaway)

What’s better than ice cream on a hot summer day? A cool new picture book to go with it, of course! I was delighted to have a chance to interview Stacy Innerst, the illustrator of THE SWEETEST SCOOP: BEN & JERRY’S ICE CREAM REVOLUTION, written by Lisa Robinson. Chunky Monkey. …

Continue reading

THE RISE (AND FALLS) OF JACKIE CHAN: Interview with Kristen Mai Giang & Alina Chau (+ Giveaway)

POW! BAM! WOW! Jackie Chan has been making movies and amazing audiences with his original and comedic stunts for decades. POW! BAM! OW! But before he was an international star, Jackie grew up in relative poverty in China, studied martial arts at the grueling China Drama Academy, and worked for …

Continue reading

TAD LINCOLN’S RESTLESS WRIGGLE by Beth Anderson (+ Giveaway)!

I’m a huge fan of Beth Anderson’s historical, narrative nonfiction picture books. They bring to light important figures who have been hidden (Elizabeth Jennings), “ordinary” people with extraordinary talents (James “Smelly” Kelly), and now, a very special relationship between a young boy and his very famous father. Tad Lincoln’s restless …

Continue reading

NIKI NAKAYAMA: A Chef’s Tale in 13 Bites with Jamie Michalak, Debbi Michiko Florence, & Yuko Jones. Plus a book & art giveaway!

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 …

Continue reading