I’m thrilled to announce GOATS AFLOAT has been chosen as a CBC children’s favorite for 2026! Given the fact that kids read the books and then vote on them, makes this all the more special. Hooray for for the goats!
@eastwestlit@julspatton
When my children were growing up, we visited the public library weekly and checked out 60 books – that was the limit. We read at breakfast, bath time, in the car, and before bed. My six children all became avid readers.
When they were young, Goosebumps books were all the rage and I would tell them, “You can read three books of your choosing, but the fourth book has to be a book with a medal sticker on it.” My kiddos fell in love with the Newbery, Caldecott, and other award-winning books. We looked up to these authors/illustrators and couldn’t wait for the yearly announcement when the ALA (American Library Association) would select the most distinguished children’s books of the year.
Being a children’s book author myself, I understand what it’s like to work and aspire to write something worthy of an award like this. But never in my wildest dreams did I think I would see one of my children being awarded a Newbery medal.
My heart is full to overflowing today. I have cried so many happy mama tears in the last 24 hours for Aubrey. She has worked very hard at her craft and she is an extraordinarily talented writer who put her heart and soul on the page and created a beautiful and moving novel. I am thrilled for her, and so grateful to the committee for choosing The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest. Also, beyond grateful to God, the giver of all good gifts! I watched as Aubrey brought this book into the world at one of the darkest times in her life – when she was fighting every day to keep her newborn baby (who was born with paralyzed vocal cords) alive. But God was by her side, giving her strength, putting the right people in her path, and helping her through.
Congratulations @aubrey_hartman - this mama could not be more proud!
#newbery #ChildrensLit #EarlyReaders #KidsLit #newbery
What fun it has been to be in this show with my brothers! Whitney plays Scrooge (middle) and has done a phenomenal job. And this is Jordan’s first show. We roped him in because we were doing it and he, too, has done an exceptional with his role as Mr. Fezziwig.
Our 88-year-old dad will be coming to the show on Monday. I am hoping and praying that my mom gets to peek down from heaven. She would be so thrilled to see three of her children on the stage together, singing and dancing.
Merry Christmas, my friends. As the final line of the show states, “ God bless us, everyone!”
Tickets at
Grab a copy to share with your favorite littles to make them giggle! “This cleverly crafted bouncy rhyme has plenty of new action: rapids, a capsized canoe, a dramatically sinking cake. The digital illustrations are dynamically composed and have plenty of details to notice…Trippity-trap your way to this book for storytime…and don’t take travel advice from goats. (They’re probably just trolling you.)” ―Horn Book Magazine
There’s still time to get a copy or two —if you have gifts to give for teachers, friends, or family members, consider a book they can read year after year. DM me if you need them signed, and I can help you with that!
May your holidays be merry and bright! 🎄
NCTE Conference 2025 is a wrap! It was truly a bucket list weekend. I presented on a panel with two of my daughters, kate Parkinson, an educator and librarian, and Aubrey Hartman, the middle grade author of THE UNDEAD FOX OF DEADWOOD FOREST.
Such blessings! I got to meet my fabulous agent, Deborah Warren, in person. And see dear author and educator friends from the East, meet and make new friends, sign tons of copies of GOATS AFLOAT, and get inspired by amazing speeches like @mychal3ts Mychal the librarian, who is the face of the new Reading Rainbow— yes, this beloved show that shares books with kids is back!
#kidlit #childrensbooks #childrenreading #Illustration #Conference #picturebooksforkids #ncte25 #literacy #earlylearningmatters #earlyliteracymatters
@eastwestlit@aubrey_hartman@katieeva31@amazonpublishing
Looking for some holiday cheer? Come visit the charming town of Midway where you can shop, dine, and see the delightful musical production of A christmas Carol.
I’m thrilled to be playing Mrs. Fezziwig alongside my brothers, Whitney and Jordan, who are also in the play! It is a family affair you won’t want to miss. 😂
It runs December 13 through the 22nd.
Tickets are on sale now.
/a-christmas-carol-tickets/ @highvalleyarts
I’m super excited to be presenting at NCTE this year with my two daughters, Aubrey Hartman and Kate Parkinson!
Educators and librarians, if you’re going to be there, please come join us at our workshop: All in the Family: Enlisting and Empowering Home Support Systems to Promote Literacy.
Also, I will be signing copies of Goats Afloat on Saturday, November 22 at 2 PM in the grand hall. I would love for you to come by and say hello!
#Educators #Librarians #EarlyLiteracy #Reading #NTE #EnglishTeachers #Childrensbooks #Kidlit #ReadingTeachers #ChildrensBookAuthor
@aubrey_hartman@katieeva31@eastwestlit
Happy Halloween! Was so lucky to see all the grandkids this week as Kate and kids traveled in from Mexico City. So I went to California and we gathered. Fun times! Love these babies.
Imagine our surprise when the OG Coach Bolton from Disney’s movie, High School Musical, shows up at our production. No pressure at all!
@bart_johnson was kind, complementary, and so gracious to take lots of pics and chat with the cast. Such a fun surprise!
By the way, if you want to see these talented kids in this fast paced, fun play, you’ve only got four more chances. Closing night is Saturday the 11th.
I’ve had a blast playing Ms Darbus the deranged (as coach Bolton lovingly calls her). I’m gonna be sad to say goodbye to this role. Love you, Wildcats!
Get your tickets while you can.
Once a year our little mountain town of Midway, Utah welcomes over 100,000 people for Swiss Days! There is food, entertainment, crafters, and vendors galore. If you haven’t experienced it, it really is a marvel how the whole town comes together and volunteers in different capacities to pull off this amazing weekend. The proceeds from the food and baked goods booth, which often exceeds 80,000 are then donated to humanitarian aid.
John, my two brothers, and I all sang in the Swiss Choir this year— here we are pictured at dress rehearsal.
Join us at Town Hall at 2:00 pm if you are here and say hello. Get ready for some fun music straight from the alps.
