On Juneteenth we celebrated freedom and honored the sacrifices made to end slavery in our nation. I’m proud of that. Now, the Fourth of July, the anniversary of the day our country declared its independence, is upon us. ’Tis the
~Rest in Peace~ _____________ Derek’s Books: Barnaby and the Sea (self-published) Ready? Set. Raymond! Little Quack Little Quack’s Hide and Seek Little Quack’s Bedtime Gladys Goes to Lunch Over the River: A Turkey’s Tale Little Quack’s
Spring is here, and I’m feeling light and happy. I’m reminded of my resolution to seek more levity—more good, clean fun. The work of Megan McDonald never fails to give me a lift. Her Judy Moody and Stink books have
There’s no set formula, of course, but sometimes someone describes poetry in a way that helps me see new ways to find it . . . new ways to let the words that emerge fall onto the page in patterns
Spring is around the corner — a time that brings rebirth and renewal. I love seeing little pops of green pushing through the ground and baby buds that promise blooms and leaves. We don’t have a multitude of trees where
Love and romance are in the air as Valentine’s Day draws near. One of the sweetest, most romantic books I know of is Peter McCarty’s Henry in Love. This delightful picture book [for all ages] begins with a freshly baked
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,