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
Exploring Theme: Heartwarming Picture Books About Friendship
One of the things I love most about teaching writing is the opportunity to share my favorite books with others. I had fun teaching a class through the Rehoboth Beach Writers' Guild on May 12 -- “Top 10 Tips for Writing Picture Books." Everyone especially enjoyed these two books: Super Manny Stands Up and Strictly No Elephants. I used these books as examples when we discussed and explored story theme. Theme is a story's central idea -- what the story is really about. I deeply
3 Things I Learned From Writing Hibernation Station
During the winter, I Iove wearing pajamas and curling up in a blanket with pillows, snacks, and books. I remember learning about hibernation when I was in elementary school, and it sounded wonderful. Take a long winter nap and emerge in the Spring. Sign me up! I worked on the text for Hibernation Station (Simon & Schuster) on a snowy day. Here are three things I learned: 1. Rejection letters can be helpful. In the year before I wrote Hibernation Station, I wrote a collection
3 Things I Learned From Writing THE WAY THE STORM STOPS
It has been 15 years since my first picture book was published, and this year I’m doing a series of blog posts about things I’ve learned on my writing journey. The Way the Storm Stops will always have a special place in my heart because I wrote it after rocking my son to sleep during a thunderstorm when he was about 2 years old. Here are 3 things I learned: 1. It takes a team to make a picture book. Some writers are uncomfortable with the idea of losing control of their words
