In my fall publishing update , I explained why it takes so long (years!) for picture books to be published. What is an eager author to do in the "waiting time?" If you're writing a picture book, but not illustrating, you count down the days until your amazing illustrator signs onto your project! I'm so excited that the talented Tasneem Amiruddin will be illustrating my debut picture book, Beauty is Everywhere . HOORAY!!! I love her colorful, playful, textured style and I ca

Here is a list of nonprofit organizations that promote literacy, and access to the literature of others To support organizations that promote literacy for children and adults, consider these: Room To Read - An international organization  that provides literacy  instruction, child-friendly  libraries , and local language  children's books to under-resourced communities. This organization receives 4/4 stars from CharityNavigator.com . The Immigrant Learning Center  - Among oth

Don't Trust Fish  written by Neil Sharpson and illustrated by Dan Santat This. Book. Is. Hilarious . Read it to yourself. Read it to your kids. Your nieces and nephews. Your neighbors. Your eighty-year-old uncle. The lady on the bus. Whoever. Then bring it to school and read it to your students. Why? Because you need to have MORE FUN in your classroom! I recently listened to a podcast by Mel Robbins about how important FUN is . I'm now on a mission to have more fun in every a

This is NOT A Sleepy Bear Book by Brian Gehrlein and illustrated by Jennifer Harney " The classic “bear hibernation” story is turned on its head in this hilarious read-aloud full of surprises, perfect for a cozy winter read and story time year-round!" -Hachette Book Group website Another hilarious book from Brian Gehrlein hit shelves this month and it's a total bedtime story hit. It's perfect for the chilly months, perfect for snuggles, and perfect for laughs. Plus, the illu

Those Darn Squirrels by Adam Rubin illustrated by Daniel Salmieri "From the bestselling creators of Dragons Love Tacos comes the story of what happens when a grumpy old man and some mischievous squirrels match wits—with hilarious results. Little ones and grown-ups will giggle through multiple reads of Those Darn Squirrels!" - Harper Colllins website At almost 15 years old, it's safe to call this story an "oldie but a goodie." Maybe even a great-y. Why do kids (and adults) st

My Words Flew Away Like Birds  written by Debora Pearson, Illustrated by Shrija Jain "A poetically told immigration story that fosters...

The Book That Almost Rhymed - written by Omar Abed and illustrated by Hatem Aly "Every great adventure needs a hero—or two! This playful...

My Teacher Is a Monster by Peter Brown Bobby has a big problem at school. Her name is Ms. Kirby. "She’s loud, she yells, and if you...

Saying goodbye to summer is sooo hard, but a family camping trip to the Cape Henlopen Beach was the perfect way to end the season. We...