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,

Although it doesn’t really need promoting, to kick off the new year, I want to revisit a classic that remains high on my list of favorite books.  A powerful portrait of racism (and “otherism”) in the 1930s, To Kill A

With the Season upon us and books in my heart, I am encouraging families to read favorite stories aloud together at Christmas and to make this a holiday tradition. A “keeper” in my personal library and one well worth rereading

Since my last post, I’ve been thinking a lot about words. These thoughts led me back to the marvelous essays of Lewis Thomas.  Thomas was a brilliant and witty scientist, a keen observer, and a great thinker.  I love this

When authors visit schools, we are likely to hear many of the same questions.  What inspired you to become a writer?  Where do you get your ideas?  What’s your favorite book?  How much money do you make? I am generally