Cover Reveal for FLYING HIGH: The Story of Gymnastics Champion Simone Biles & Photo of the Month
Thrilled to reveal the cover of my 10th book for kids (ages 4-8)! FLYING HIGH: The Story of Gymnastics Champion Simone Biles is a poetic tribute to Simone Biles and her family. I have long admired Simone Biles for her hard work, talent, inviting personality, and incredible spirit. I was especially drawn to her story because of her strong, supportive family - and the family's role in her success. Grateful for illustrator Ebony Glenn, literary agent Rosemary Stimola, and the Ho
Brave Ballerina at the Beach & Photos of the Month
Throughout the summer, it has been an honor to meet children, parents, teachers, and librarians at Brave Ballerina book signings along the Delaware coast. I gave presentations about ballet history and the fierce determination of Janet Collins. In addition to reading Brave Ballerina, we danced! Sharing some of my favorite event photos below. Event locations included Tidepool Toys & Games in Bethany Beach, Bethany Beach Books, Browseabout Books in Rehoboth Beach, and Kids' Ketc
Books of Wonder Event in New York & Photos of the Month
I am looking forward to participating in the Books & Ballet event at Books of Wonder bookstore (18th Street) in New York City on Sunday, July 21, 3 - 5 p.m. I'll discuss and sign BRAVE BALLERINA: The Story of Janet Collins as part of a panel, which will include Monica Wellington, author-illustrator of Dear Ballerina; Lydia Wellington, a dancer with the New York City Ballet; and Melanie Person, co-director of The Ailey School - the school of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.
Pre-Summer Book Party & Photo of the Month
The library is my absolute favorite place on the planet! So I'm thrilled to be giving a book presentation and reading at the Pre-Summer Book Party at Lewes Library in Delaware on Saturday, June 1st, 10 a.m. - 12 noon. This event will feature light refreshments, free books for kids, library card sign-ups, and registration for the Dolly Parton's Imagination Library -- a book gifting program that mails free books to children from birth to age five in participating communities. P
#19PBbios & Photos of the Month
Very excited to be part of #19PBbios — 19 fascinating picture book biographies releasing in 2019! In this "golden age of picture book biographies," authors and illustrators have come together to share new books with librarians, educators, fellow kidlit pros, parents — anyone who loves to read kids engaging true stories about inspiring people. Learn more about this group and all the books on the 19PBbios website. Sharing photos of the month below: Celebrating Janet Collins in
Bay to Ocean Writers Conference & Photos of the Month
I’m looking forward to presenting on the picture book panel at the Bay to Ocean Writers Conference on Saturday, March 9, 2019. We’ll discuss the writing process for picture books, where ideas come from, and more. Organized by the Eastern Shore Writers Association, this event features 30 workshops in fiction, poetry, nonfiction, & publishing. View the full agenda here. And sharing photos of the month below: Little Free Library in Walnut: BRAVE BALLERINA in a charming Little Fr
Arthur Mitchell & the Dance Theatre of Harlem
In December 2018, my husband and I had the pleasure of visiting the Dance Theatre of Harlem in New York City. Anna Glass, executive director of the Dance Theatre of Harlem, gave us a fantastic tour. It was so interesting to see rehearsals and other activities happening in the various studios. At the Dance Theatre of Harlem School’s holiday show, we loved watching the beautiful ballerinas perform and hearing about the history of the school. Some members of the audience won adv
The Power of Images: Exposing Children to Ballet
One of the reasons I decided to write BRAVE BALLERINA: The Story of Janet Collins -- I would have loved to read a beautifully illustrated picture book about Janet Collins when I was a little girl. It's so important for children to see role models who look like them -- doing amazing things and going after their dreams. I hope my book offers that positive experience for children for years to come. Here are a couple of examples of noteworthy projects offering strong, positive ba
5 Fascinating Things About Carmen de Lavallade
While working on the picture book biography, Brave Ballerina: The Story of Janet Collins, I was struck by the graceful images of Janet’s first cousin, Carmen de Lavallade. Carmen’s beauty, elegance, and passion for dance shine through every photo. Here are five things I find most fascinating: 1. Janet Collins, the first African-American principal dancer with the Metropolitan Opera, was Carmen’s role model: Carmen was born in 1931 in Los Angeles. Her cousin Janet Collins was o
Ballet Lessons: Pioneers Doris Jones and Claire Haywood Opened Doors
My love of ballet started as a young child in the 1970s when I took ballet classes for a couple of years at the Jones-Haywood Dance School on Delafield Place in Washington D.C. (formerly the Jones-Haywood School of Ballet.) This is a picture of me with my big brother after a ballet recital. I have always been an amateur dancer; I just love music and movement, and I enjoy dancing for fun -- even when my arms and legs aren’t necessarily in the right place. After my son finished
