I’m excited to begin the new year by spreading the word that my Step-into-Reading book — Ready? Set. Puppies! — will be released January 16th.  Many thanks to illustrator Derek Anderson, my agent Tracey Adams, my editor Heidi Kilgras and

Kate DiCamillo has given us many wonderful books.  Because of Winn Dixie, The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane and The Tale of Despereaux are among them.  I just finished The Beatryce Prophecy and, once again, DiCamillo delivers. The Beatryce Prophecy

At Thanksgiving, I’m never short on blessings for which I’m thankful.  This year, I am feeling special appreciation for being trusted to tell the story in my new book, Small Shoes, Great Strides: How Three Brave Girls Opened Doors to

A bumper sticker on my desk says, “The Shortest Distance Between Two People Is a Story.”  I got it at a storytelling event years ago.  I’ve always regarded storytellers — whether on the stage or the back porch — with

If you’ve followed my work, you know Let ‘er Buck! George Fletcher, the People’s Champion, published in 2019.  Through George’s story, I learned about the Pendleton Round-Up, a world famous rodeo held annually the second week of September for more

In July, I had the privilege of experiencing “Beautiful Blackbird: The Creative Spirit of Ashley Bryan,” which was on exhibit from April 6 through July 21, 2023 at the University of Pennsylvania, where most of Ashley’s archives are housed.  The

In June, I was lucky enough to attend a writing retreat at the secluded Norbertine Abbey here in New Mexico with a dozen other children’s book creators (writers and illustrators).  I’ve been to this gathering before, so it wasn’t new,

I enjoy spending time on memory lane.  Many of my books reflect this, including my new Raymond and Roxy Step-into-Reading book coming out June 13th. When I was growing up the youngest of five children, we didn’t have the means

To round off Poetry Month, here are a couple of my own.  The first is something I wish for everyone.         Family There’s a net ‘neath my tightrope If ever I fall Though it’s not very likely to happen

Poetry Month brings my late father to mind.  He loved poetry and was an amateur poet himself (“amateur” in the classical sense of “one who loves what he does”).  Here for your enjoyment are two of his works. The first

One of my favorite picture books of 2022 is Lou, written and illustrated by Breanna Carzoo. Lou is a fire hydrant, a fire hydrant frequented by dogs.  “All day, every day, one by one they sniff and twirl and twist

We all have what I like to call “magic moments,” powerful points in our lives that stay with us always.  Black History Month brings one to mind. In the early 1990s, while working as the librarian at a boys school

It seems to me that, eventually, everything comes full circle.  And every once in a while, something happens to reinforce this belief, to make it more real. Back in 1994, a freckle-faced, 9-year-old girl named Taylor, walked into the library

Kindness should be in our hearts always, but there is no better time than the Christmas season to give it some extra focus. I recently discovered a delightful picture book that fits the bill — Bear Wants to Sing, written

As Thanksgiving approaches, I think of my maternal grandfather.  Back in the day, Christmas lights didn’t show up on houses and holiday shopping didn’t begin in earnest until after Thanksgiving.  The following Friday was the official beginning of the Christmas

Raymond likes to do things fast, but today he is moving in slow motion.  Is he sick?  No.  It’s his birthday, and he wants his special day to last.  Ready? Set. Birthday! is just out (September 20, 2022), and I

Regular readers of my blog know I’ve been focusing on the positive this year.  Although there are great new books to discover and love, I find myself revisiting titles that should not be forgotten. One that never fails to fill

“Imagine that your home is on fire. You’re allowed to save one thing. Your family and pets are safe, so don’t worry about them. Your Most Important Thing.  Any size.” In her thought-provoking verse novel, The One Thing You’d Save,

Since Ashley Bryan went home to join the rest of the angels this year, I’ve been appreciating my great fortune in having known him and finding joy in remembering.  As I prepare to travel back to Islesford, Maine, to attend

Back in 2002, Random House Books for Young Readers published my Ready? Set. Raymond! for their classic Step Into Reading series.  Three jaunty stories with upbeat illustrations by Derek Anderson show Raymond dashing through life surrounded by family and his

This month I’m returning to my New Year’s resolution to: Be less earnest—Seek more levity.  Pets bring joy into our lives in a way nothing else can.  They love us, sooth our sadness, relieve our stress, and bring us to

Many already know that my great uncle Lewis H. Michaux (known as the Harlem Professor) was the founder of Harlem’s historic National Memorial African Bookstore.  I am proud and excited to say his message to the black community—that education is

American Library Association Conference 2012 “I have been painting outdoors in my neighbor’s garden . . . dipping into the jars of acrylic color and touch touch touch till a composition is formed . . . quite unlike the standing-up

Most of us have experienced loss and have had to find our way through grief.  Often it is through death, but loss comes in many forms — a going away, a change or end to something that leaves us brokenhearted,