From concert halls to the Mass State Senate, stand-up comedy sets, local dog shows, and time at the beach—here are some of my favorite sketches from the year. I am working on keeping my drawing supplies with me more often so I reach for my sketchbook rather than my phone.
#sketchbook #jjkdailysketch #sketching
Ever wonder how to create a graphic novel? Here’s a 30-second crash course! I guess technically, HEY, KIDDO is a graphic memoir—but all the principal tenets remain the same!
2026 will mark 25 years since my books were first published! Stick around for more insider tips throughout the year.
#kidlit #comics #creativewriting
We are so very grateful to @dailyhampshiregazette for covering R.I.S.E. Fest and highlighting our mission — and so many of our wonderful performers! Read all about it in today’s paper—available on newsstands and online!
A day of artistic performances, workshops, and creative connection for area youth on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at the Second Annual R.I.S.E. Fest at the Northampton High School Auditorium, 380 Elm Street, Northampton.
R.I.S.E. (Resilience in Self Expression) Fest is co-founded by Expressive Arts Educator Gina M. Krosoczka and Jarrett J. Krosoczka, the New York Times-bestselling author behind Hey, Kiddo and the Lunch Lady graphic novels. The festival highlights the scientifically proven mental health benefits of art in all mediums, fostering self-esteem and community connection for young creators.
Tickets are available at RISEfest413.org, but please know financial resources will not be a barrier to attendance!
Thank you to @nohoarts and @cutchinsprograms for making this program possible!
Happy Mother’s Day to one of the best to take on the moniker of “Mamma”! Gina inspires me every day in every way, and we’d be lost without her. I love you so, my G.
Am I in this photo OR is my photo a part of the projection on the screen?
And a huge THANK YOU to everyone at Cielo Vista Charter School for giving me such a warm welcome today in Palm Springs, CA!
R.I.S.E. will serve as a homecoming for New York Times-bestselling author @fionnualacook Cook! A member of the Northampton_High_School Class of 2004, Fiona will be celebrating the publication of her second book, THE DREAM ATLAS.
Here is the official description of DREAM ATLAS from publisher @andrewsmcmeel :
Throughout history and in cultures around the globe, humans have looked to their dreams for creative inspiration as well as spiritual and practical insight. The Dream Atlas immerses readers in this time-honored tradition, offering clear strategies for establishing one’s own dreamwork practice as well as a guided tour of the rich history of dreams and dreaming.
And this is what Kirkus Reviews had to say in their starred review of Fiona’s first book, THE WHEEL OF THE YEAR:
Speaking to her readers in a wise whisper, Cook proclaims that there’s real magic in this world—it’s all around us, and kids have a special knack for seeing it. She sets out to help readers “find and recognize magic,”… This book is, in a word, immaculate.
I shall never grow tired of getting in front of actual muppets. Even more powerful is sharing that experience with my kids. We visited the American Museum of the Moving Image and took a tour of Jim Henson‘s Creature Shop while in NYC. An incredibly inspiring experience—creativity, craft, and performance! And check out that last slide. Apt that I was greeted with when we walked into the Museum of Moving Image!
A massive thank you to all of the family and friends, but especially the readers who chipped in and donated to our campaign to raise money for Cutchins Programs. What incredibly important work they are doing to provide mental health care for the most vulnerable youth in our community. Massive thanks to Dr. Jacqui for being brave enough to agree to being my dance partner—a huge leap (tap) of faith. And massive gratitude to our “kid choreographers,” Talia and Eli. They not only gave us a tap crash course, but they also pieced together the entire routine. No way I could have done this without them—they literally made me believe I could achieve this when I had serious doubts. And how extraordinary to see all of that work pay off and catapult us to the top spot of fundraisers! (The biggest spike came DURING our performance!) Much respect to all the “local stars” who worked so hard and left it all on the dance floor. You all raised the bar! Dr. Jacqui, Talia, Eli, and I were handed a golden disco ball for Most Entertaining—I shall treasure it and display it with pride!
Friday is School Lunch Hero Day! Your plans don't need to be elaborate—in fact, I have several free resources to help you pull together creative ways for your students to express their gratitude!
As the kids say—“Here’s a dump.”
Did I get that right?
I’ve been fortunate to visit several schools in wonderful communities over the past few months. Here are a few shots. What a joy to make these connections!
**Last slide is my favorite thing to eat while on the road.**
