One of the fun things about being an author is that every now and then a friend will send a photo of one of your books in an unexpected place. Whenever this happens, I’m utterly delighted! But I rarely tell anyone other than my family. Together we share of moment of celebration and then I move on. However, I’m trying to get a little more loose with my joy. So, look! BEST BUDS was spotted at the Science Museum of Virginia! Writing for kids is a pretty great gig.
If you’re looking for a children’s book about being yourself, taking your time, and finding the just-right friends for you, then click on the link in my bio. It’s also perfect for plant lovers!
Illustrated by the incredible @jiaruii_jiang . 🪴💚
#plantbooksforkids #friendshipbooksforkids #author #authorlife #authorsofinstagram
I finally had a chance this past weekend to read all the library books that have been piling up around my house this month. These were my favorites!
#whatimreading #picturebookrecommendations #kidsbooks #booklover #picturebookauthor
I stopped by The Nest in downtown Wautoma today and had a great time chatting with the owners Bruce and Rob. I also stocked up on some candy, which is already gone, so I guess I didn’t stock up enough. They have a bunch of books and a million other cool things too. If you are looking for unique gifts, signed books, or friendly conversation, be sure to stop by. This store never disappoints!
@julspatton@jsinquett@jiaruii_jiang
#shoplocal #smallbusinesslove #shopsmallbusinesses
I’m happy to share that BEST BUDS has been nominated for a Keystone to Reading Book Award!
Many thanks to @keystonestateliteracy for this honor and recognition! What a joy to know that children all across Pennsylvania will be reading our book about finding friendship while staying true to yourself. 💚🪴
Congratulations to all the authors and illustrators whose books were nominated!
@jiaruii_jiang@editorkateprosswimmer@simonkids
I’ve been busy working on a few different projects the past couple months, so I haven’t posted much. Mostly because no one needs to see a photo of me pondering the same sentence for a week straight. And also because I haven’t had much to say lately. But here are a few things that have been bringing me joy.
1) A Peter Rabbit mug with a fancy gold rim.
2) Gemstone marbles. Need I say more? Probably not. But for context, I had a large collection of rocks and marbles as a kid. I lost my marbles (literally) but still have plenty of rocks in my house. When 52 year old me spotted these at a rock store that was closing, 10 year old me got pretty excited. We’ve both been giddy all week. They look like mini planets!
3) Night Sky
4) New favorite snack
5) Book mail
6) George. Always, George.
7) The outfit I was wearing when the nurse at the doctor’s office said “Well, you look… comfortable today.” I was.
8) A pretty plant. Every time I take a photo of a plant I think I should look up what it’s called when I get home. I never do. And that’s probably okay.
9) A rainbow ribbon thing at my favorite coffee shop
10) These two. Always, these two. You know the laughter was loud when the photo is blurry.
What’s been making you smile lately? I’d like to know. Especially if it’s a delicious snack.
Happy World Read Aloud Day! I had a blast visiting with students in Michigan, Texas, and New York today. Many thanks to everyone who invited me! I was blown away by the students’ thoughtful questions and enthusiasm.
These photos are…
1) The calm before the storm
2) Some of the books I read or talked about
3) The amped energy afterwards
4) A sleepy George
The success of these visits was due in large part to my husband’s willingness to keep George occupied with walks, car rides, and lots of playtime. Hence, the sleepy George photo.
Happy reading, y’all!
#worldreadaloudday #readaloud #authorlife
I took most of the month of December off from writing and loved it! I baked cookies, went to concerts, did a 999 piece puzzle (bad dog), made popcorn balls and a garland thingy, hiked in the woods, watched a ton of movies, and hung out with my favorite people (and pups). It was awesome. And…
I was fully ready and excited to return to writing this week. But George was not. He is devastated that I am no longer able to attend to his every need. So in between writing today, there was a whole lot of this going on.
I may have to leave the house tomorrow. Don’t tell George.
#workfromhome #authorlife #dogmom
A couple months ago, @jiaruii_jiang sent me the loveliest package full of treasures…. temporary tattoos, scented cards, seed cards that will grown into actual plants when placed in soil, bookplates, and two different postcards, all featuring her beautiful illustrations. I’ve had fun sharing these special gifts with others and seeing their eyes light up with excitement. I was recently packaging up some of these gifts to share with a friend, and I wanted to share them with you as well. If any of you have recently purchased BEST BUDS as a gift for a child and would like to include some of these special items, please reach out and I’d be happy to send some your way. 🪴💚
Woohoo!! So happy we can finally shout about this! I had an absolute blast working on this story with @estrela.lourenco and @jmcgowanbks .
When I first approached James with this manuscript I wasn’t sure what he’d say. It was only 66 words and more of an idea than anything else. But I couldn’t shake the feeling that there was something there. Thankfully, he agreed, and we both knew that Estrela would be the perfect person to help bring this wild idea to life. I’m so grateful she said yes!!!
Thank you both for making this such an incredible experience! And thank you to the entire team at @macmillanusa for believing in this story!
#dreamteam #kidlit #childrensbook #childrensauthor
I can’t let spooky season pass without sharing these three picture books that have been haunting my mind ever since I read them. I wasn’t planning on adding three new ghost books to my bookshelf this season, but here we are. Totally obsessed and possessed by these poltergeists.
I fell for GILBERT AND THE GHOST on page one when we learn that Gilbert believes in ghosts, especially the one living at 632 Savannah Street.
Any picture book that uses the word gumption is a winner in my book. TO CATCH A GHOST does just that, and it does so brilliantly.
The back of AGGIE AND THE GHOST says it’s a story about rules. And sharing. And an epic game of tic-tac-toe. That’s a pretty good description for what may be my favorite book of 2025.
All three of these books have pitch perfect openings. I was hooked immediately, and I bet you will be too. Do yourself a favor and read all three. Especially if you’re a writer who wants to craft the perfect beginning.
#picturebooks #ghostbooks #halloweenbooks #spookyseason #childrensbooks
First, I found the perfect pumpkin. I can’t stop admiring it, holding it, and taking photos of it. It’s possible my husband is tired of hearing about this pumpkin (and taking photos of me holding it), so I decided to tell all of you about it instead. I honestly don’t know if I should say I’m sorry or you’re welcome.
Second, I love fall. It’s the best season and no one will convince me otherwise. Taking hikes has been saving me.
Third, I found the perfect pumpkin. I couldn’t leave you with just one photo of it, so I decided to bookend this post with a second shot. It looks much smaller because I’m not holding it, but I didn’t want my face to distract from its pure awesomeness. Also, it’s heavy.
If ever there was a great pumpkin, it is this one.
#perfectpumpkin #fall #fallvibes #naturelover
