Children's Books that Delight and Inform
Ever notice how children’s eyes light up when a story comes to life? Children’s books have a magical way of sparking curiosity through lyrical storytelling, but what if we took that engagement a step further? What if reading a book was just the first step in a hands-on, imagination-fueled game?
Welcome to my Book Bingo Challenge!
Read moreChildren’s author Mac Barnett recently put out a book for grown-ups called Make Believe: On Telling Stories to Children, and wow, has it ever stirred up a hornet’s nest in the kidlit community!
The big uproar is all about one specific line where Mac writes, “I have a nagging fear that children’s literature suffers from a slightly higher crud percentage than literature as a whole…maybe more like 94.7 percent of kids’ books are crud,” Yikes! As you can imagine, many fellow writers and I, as well as those in the industry, aren’t thrilled. Many feel it dismisses the hard work that goes into children’s books and might give the public the wrong idea about the industry having a detrimental effect on it’s future.
Read moreSAVE THE DATE! Join Zenguin and me for an exciting story time at Barnes & Noble on May 16, 2026! I’ll be signing books and sharing zen crafts that spark creativity and calm the mind! Story time will be in the Kids Department at 11 am, where we can enjoy a wonderful morning together. Don’t miss this “cool” event!
Read moreI’m excited to share that Springtime Babies and The Colors of Spring are included in this beautiful springtime Little Golden Book collection! Available exclusively at Sam’s Club now!
Read moreChoo-choo! Are you ready to clear the tracks for a favorite book in the playroom? I am so excited to share some behind-the-scenes magic about my board book, Wake Up, Freight Train! If you have a little one at home who stops in their tracks every time they hear a distant train whistle, this book was written just for them. But it’s more than just a story—it’s an interactive experience designed for busy little hands and growing minds.
Read moreI’m excited to share that two of my books are “Amazon Editors’ Picks!” This means they have been recommended by Amazon’s editorial team, who reviews thousands of books each year to choose the best ones in different genres, showcasing them for their quality and entertainment value.
Read moreReady to welcome the sunshine? If you’re looking for sweet spring reads for your little ones, I’ve gathered my seasonal titles to get you started. From garden adventures and vibrant colors to woodland haiku and—of course—a visit from the Easter Bunny, there’s a story here for every budding reader.
Read moreIf you’re looking for a way to introduce the concept of mindfulness to your little ones without it feeling like a “lesson,” this charming penguin is your new best friend.
Read moreWhen people think of writing children’s fiction, they often imagine a world of pure imagination where the rules of reality don’t apply. If you’re writing a story about a Blue Gnu who uses a smartphone to call zoo friends and plan a massive party, you’re clearly in the realm of the “made up,” right?
Well, yes—and no.
Read moreWe’ve all been there. You’ve just finished the last page of The Very Hungry Caterpillar or Goodnight Moon for the fourth time this evening. You close the book, take a breath, and before you can even stand up, a small hand pushes it back into your lap. “Again.”
Reading the same book 400 times can feel like a form of psychological endurance training. However, while it might be driving you to the brink of madness, for your child, it’s an important part of their development. Here is how to survive “The Repeat Read” without losing your mind.
Read moreHappy Book Birthday to this little cutie!🥳15 years of billigual counting, colors and animals for the littlest readers! One of my best selling books! Surprise your little one with a copy. 🦍🐅🐆 Available everywhere books are sold.
Read moreYou know I spend most of my days on the rhythms of poetry and the imaginative world of children’s books. But even words need a rest sometimes. When I find my pen stuttering or my thoughts feeling a bit too tangled in syntax, I turn to painting and drawing.
Read moreAs an author, I love finding playful ways to help little ones discover the world. With Easter approaching, I’m thrilled to share my board book, “Bunny’s Easter Basket,” illustrated by Kathryn Selbert. It’s a perfect holiday treat, but I wrote it with a special twist that makes it a great read all year round.
Read moreFeeling a little “un-zen”? 🐧 Zenguin is making a splash over at the Celebrate Picture Books blog today! It’s Penguin Awareness Day, so waddle on over to read the review and discover how to keep your cool in a noisy world.
Hello, wonderful readers, parents, caregivers, and educators! I am absolutely thrilled to announce the arrival of brand-new picture book, Zenguin! If you’ve been following my journey here at Danna Smith Books, you know that I am passionate about stories that entertain but also tales that wrap a child in a hug and give them the tools they need to navigate their big, beautiful, and sometimes overwhelming world.
Read moreHappy New Year, educators and parents! As we ease into the first week of January, there is a wonderful opportunity on the horizon to engage young minds and celebrate the beauty of the natural world. January 6th is National Bird Day, and it is the perfect time to spark a love for our feathered friends while learning a bit of history.
Read moreTo celebrate the release of brand new picture book, ZENGUIN, I’m hitting the virtual road and hosting a spectacular blog tour! This is your chance to join me for a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of Zenguin, learn the story’s inspiration, and get to know the author (me!) through exclusive interviews across some of the best book blogs.
Read moreI’m delighted to share with you that Zenguin is officially a Junior Library Guild selection! 🌟A Junior Library Guild (JLG) selection is a book chosen by JLG’s editorial experts as a high-quality, stand-out title for libraries and schools. We are so honored! Learn more about this calming book releasing on January 6, 2026…
Read moreI am pleased to announce that Rooftop Garden a sing-along book, writtwn by me and illustrated by Pati Aguilera and sung by Holly Turton, is now available in an English/Spanish Bilingual edition!
Read moreI’m excited to share this darling cover for Little Golden Book, I’M A DRONE, written by me, illustrated by the amazing Brian Biggs, and published by Randon House Kids! Who knew a drone could be so cute!
Read moreI’m delighted to share that Ready Readers is including THE THANK YOU BOOK in their ’25-’26 Storytime Program! Ready Readers connects young children with fun-filled literacy experiences and new books for home to cultivate a love of reading and set children up for success. I’m so happy they have chosen this book to be a part of this wonderful program.
Read moreI am pleased to announce that The Welcome Book is part of the collection of books Reach Out and Read has selected with The Greatest Eight and the generous support of Blue Cross Blue Shield! The Greatest Eight is an innovative, evidence-informed initiative designed to teach 8 core skills to children aged 0-8, fostering a strong foundation for a lifetime of mental wellness. Reach Out and Read Rhode Island partners with pediatric medical providers to encourage families to read together with their children every day, promoting not just literacy but also building strong emotional bonds. A huge THANK YOU to the team for this great honor!
Read more🚂Choo Choo! Today I’m celebrating my shaped board book “Wake Up, Freight Train!” illustrated by Jon Andersen and published by Simon Kids! It’s a well-received and popular choice for young children, especially those with a fascination for trains. The book is praised for its “clever rhymes, soothing rhythm, and engaging illustrations.”
Read moreIt all started when I was 17. I wrote my first picture book for a high school creative writing class, and I fell completely in love. My teacher’s encouragement lit a spark in me. She told me to keep writing, and I did (teachers rock!). Throughout the rest of high school and into adulthood, I wrote stories and poems. I knew then that one day, I wanted to write for children.
Read moreHey everyone! My friend, Linda Whalen and I are super excited to share our new picture book deal! This project has been a labor of love, and we can’t wait for you to check out the heartwarming story that we’ve created together, which will be illustrated by Sian Wheatcroft. We’re working closely with the talented team at Zonderkidz to ensure that every page captures the essence of our vision. Stay tuned for updates and sneak peeks as we get closer to the big day! 👶🍼
Read moreIt’s often said that writers should “write what they know.” For me, this advice isn’t just a suggestion, it’s the heart of my book, The Hawk of the Castle. This story is a love letter to my childhood, a time filled with the unique and captivating world of falconry.
Read moreAs an author with 25 traditionally published children’s books and four self-published passion projects, I’ve navigated the publishing world for almost 30 years. It’s been a journey with two distinct paths. Both have their own unique charms and challenges, and my experience has shown me there’s a place for both in an author’s career.
Read moreFor most authors, feedback comes in the form of reviews or fan mail. But as a children’s author, my readers are a bit too young for that! That’s why it’s incredibly special when teachers, parents, librarians, and grandparents share how my books have touched the lives of their children. Seeing school projects inspired by my characters and stories is also a huge treat.
Read moreWow, 28 books! Sometimes, I have to pinch myself when I think about that number. Each one represents a journey, a new world explored, and a chance to connect with amazing young readers, parents, grandparents, teachers, and librarians. As I look back on all those stories, characters, and countless cups of tea (my books and blogs are powered by caffeine!), I’ve realized some pretty great things. And today, I want to share them with you!
Read moreI am pleased to announce this delightful picture book, written by me, illustrated by Sydney Hanson, and published by Workman Kids! Isn’t he the cutest little guy? Zenguin will be released on January 6th, 2026. You can be one of the first to own a copy by preordering now. 🐧
Read moreBefore illustrators work their magic, picture books begin with words arranged in a certain way to move, entertain, or celebrate something or someone. Author Linda Singleton has created picture text that entertains and teaches wonderful wordplay. Today, I am excited to review three of her titles all written with simple verbs: Crane & Crane, Sun & Son, and Kid & Kid.
Read moreAs parents and caregivers, we all want our children to develop a love for reading. It’s a skill that opens worlds of imagination, knowledge, and empathy. But how do we instill that habit, especially with our littlest learners, from birth to eight years old? The key is to make it fun, engaging, and a natural part of their daily routine. Forget rigid rules and embrace playful interactions!
Read moreLife has a funny way of throwing delightful curveballs, doesn’t it? For me, those curveballs have recently come in the form of the sweetest, squishiest grandbaby! Just when I thought my days were perfectly filled with crafting stories and connecting with young readers, along came my granddaughter, and now, another precious little one is on the way!
Read moreIn our diverse world, raising children to appreciate human experiences is vital, and as a children’s book author, I believe stories that reflect diversity are powerful tools for fostering understanding. By weaving narratives that highlight different cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives, we can create a rich human experience that children can explore and learn from.
Read moreHappy Summer! Would you like to encourage more beneficial local insects into your garden? Let’s make Seed Spheres to scatter and grow in the garden or gift them to a friend who shares your passion for gardening! These little bundles of seeds not only enhance the beauty of your outdoor space but also attract essential pollinators that play a crucial role in maintaining the ecosystem. Plus, while you enjoy your time outdoors, you can make a mini garden book blooming with fun activities, perfect for engaging children or even adults who want to rekindle their love for nature. These activities were created to work beautifully with the picture book Rooftop Garden by Danna Smith and Pati Aguilera, inspiring readers to cultivate their green thumbs. Embrace the joy of summer by creating a vibrant garden sanctuary that benefits both you and the local wildlife!
Read moreDid you know that I’ve created a variety of engaging activities and comprehensive discussion guides specifically designed to work hand in hand with my picture books and board books? Yes, indeed! These interactive activities are carefully tailored to align with the themes of the books, ensuring they not only entertain but also educate readers of different ages. Each guide encourages critical thinking and creativity, allowing young readers to dive deeper into the storylines and their underlying messages. Just click below, and I’ll take you to a dedicated page where you can easily download and print all of these valuable resources and enrich your kiddo’s reading experience!
Read more🎉I’m thrilled to announce that THE WELCOME BOOK has made it onto the prestigious Amazon “Best Books of 2025 So Far” list for children ages baby to 2 years! It’s an incredible achievement, as only twenty board books received this esteemed honor. We are absolutely delighted that this darling book is being embraced with such enthusiasm and love by parents, caregivers, and little ones alike!
Read moreCollective nouns are a blast! They’re those super fun words that let us talk about a bunch of people, animals, or things as one single unit. Even though there are multiple individuals, we treat the whole group like it’s one big, happy family. I challenged myself to write a poem about nature and its collective nouns, which I’m sharing with you today. This poem and others can be found in my new poetry book for adults, Born of Orange Blossoms!
Read moreAnnouncing the arrival of my poetry book, Born of Orange Blossoms! This vibrant collection celebrates the beauty of nature’s cycles, with poems that capture the essence of each season. I’m so excited for you to experience it!
Read more🐞HAPPY NATIONAL GARDEN DAY! Pick up our book, Rooftop Garden, then grab a shovel and plant some seeds. 🍎🥕🍓 🎵This is a singalong book written by me, illustrated by Pati Aguilera and sung by Holly Turton. Published by Barefoot Books 🎉Take a look inside the book and check out the fun garden activities you can download from my website Grow, Grow, Grow! 🫛
Read moreToday, I’m excited to introduce you to the incredibly talented Lee Wardlaw and her delightful book for babies, My Book of Firsts: Poems Celebrating a Baby’s Milestones. This charming collection beautifully captures the essence of those fleeting moments that parents cherish, from the first day to first steps. In addition to this wonderful book, I’m thrilled to share an insightful interview where we get to peek inside Lee’s creative process and discover the inspiration behind her writing. Join us as we explore her thoughts, techniques, and the heartfelt journey that led to the creation of this fabulous book that not only entertains but also helps to celebrate the small victories in a baby’s early life!
Read moreI’m excited to share this bit of news! Kelsi, an enthusiastic advocate for reading and a well-known bookstagrammer @balancedbookshelf, went live on Fox 5 DC to share some of her favorite spring books, showcasing titles that captivate the essence of the season. As she discussed various literary gems that spark joy and creativity, I felt such pride knowing that she chose to feature The Colors of Spring among her selected works. This recognition not only highlights the beauty of the book but also emphasizes the importance of nurturing a love for reading. It’s truly an honor to be part of such an inspiring conversation and to see how Kelsi continues to uplift and celebrate diverse voices in literature.
Read moreAnxiety, the uninvited crasher in our minds, can disrupt our health and relationships. As a fellow anxious buddy, I created a workbook for teens and adults filled with simple activities to divert you from worry and overthinking. Enjoy positive affirmation coloring, challenge your thoughts through journaling, and engage in soothing doodles. Prepare to relax and refocus on the present moment. You’ve got this!
Read moreEl Dorado Hills, CA area friends, please join @lindajoysingleton and me this Sunday for the launch party of four new books — just in time for spring reading and Easter fun! 🐣🌺
Read moreSave the Date! We are gearing up for a huge book launch featuring not just one, but FOUR incredible new books that are sure to captivate young readers! This exciting event will take place at Face in a Book Bookstore, where you can enjoy delicious snacks, engage in fun crafts, and participate in live author readings that bring our stories to life. Bring the kids and Join me and the wonderful author, Linda Joy Singleton, on April 6th, 2025 for a day filled with bookish fun, laughter, and creative activities. Whether you’re a lifelong book lover or just curious about our new titles, there’s something for everyone, so come along and celebrate the joy of reading with us! Download the flyer and share with others!
Read moreSay Hoppy Easter with this sweet novelty board book.🐣 Available now wherever books are sold.
Read moreHop over to the Celebrate Picture Books blog as we celebrate Random Acts of Kindness Week with THE WELCOME BOOK! Discover this special holiday, read a great review of THE WELCOME BOOK, look inside it, and download some fun coloring pages for the kids.
Look who hopped into stores just in time for Easter! Bunny’s Easter Basket, written by me (Danna Smith), illustrated by Kathryn Selbert, and published by Simon and Schuster, is the perfect addition to your holiday festivities. This delightful children’s book is a charming seek and find adventure featuring whimsical “hopposites,” which are playful pairs that encourage young readers to engage with the story in a fun and interactive way. Plus, wait until you see the unique novelty element at the end where bunny literally hops through a hole in the page to leave an Easter egg for little readers! In stores now!
Read moreThis charming Easter board book, authored by me (Danna Smith) and illustrated by Kathryn Selbert, features a bunny hiding special eggs for her forest friends. It introduces the concept of opposites through a playful hide-and-seek theme, encouraging little readers to find eggs placed in various locations. The book promises a delightful surprise egg at the end, making it a perfect addition to Easter baskets.
Read moreI am thrilled to announce the upcoming release of my new board book, The Welcome Book, published by Little Simon, an imprint of Simon & Schuster. This book is a celebration of welcoming and the importance of community, and it is perfect for young children.
Read moreMerry Christmas and Happy Holidays! In this last post of 2024, I want to thank you all for the book love you’ve shown me. When you like, love, share, borrow, buy, and review one of my books it means the world to me. It keeps me doing what I love— creating books for kids!
Read moreSanta will be visiting little ones soon! As the festive season approaches, the excitement in the air grows, and what better way to celebrate than with the gift of reading? Little Golden Books and Board books make excellent stocking stuffers. To help you in your holiday shopping, I’ve put together a curated list of my “little-ary” favorites, perfect for sparking laughter and adventure. These charming stories not only entertain but also nurture a love of reading from an early age. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from my house to yours; may your celebrations be filled with warmth, joy, and the magic of stories! ~Danna
Read moreI am a self-employed writer, but that doesn’t mean I am alone in the business. In fact, I am so grateful to all of you who play a part in my life and in my world of books. Your support means everything to me, and I cherish each interaction we share.
Read moreThis little cutie is turning 9 years old today!🎉 Let’s celebrate with a current discount, a plushy pairing, and a downloadable slumber party kit!
Read more🎁✨ LODI, CA FOLKS, SAVE THE DATE! I’ll be there signing my books!
Discover the magic of the season at this Holiday Boutique! ✨🎁 Join us Sunday, December 8th, from 10:00 AM-2:00 PM at Hutchins Street Square (125 Hutchins St A, Lodi, CA 95240). You’ll find the perfect gifts for everyone on your list while supporting local artisan vendors! From unique handmade treasures to festive treats, there’s something special for everyone! 🎄🛍️ #ShopLocal #HolidayBoutique #lodicalifornia #SupportSmallBusiness #visitlodi
The first day of fall, also known as sweater weather, is here! Luckily, there’s a new Little Golden Book to help you and the kiddos celebrate all the beautiful colors of fall!
Read more🎉Three new books are coming your way early next year! Enjoy these sneak peeks of their beautiful covers! They are available for pre-order now.
Read moreIt’s release day for THE COLORS OF FALL, the newest edition in the “Colors of” series! This rhyming Little Golden Book celebrates all the bright and beautiful colors of the fall season! Join a boy and his family for a colorful trip to the petting zoo and pumpkin patch!
Read moreSharing board books with babies and toddlers is not only an important way to bond but also a sure way to start them off with a life-long love of reading. I love writing for this age group. It’s not only fun for me but an honor. I like to pack the stories I write with concepts, humor, kindness, rhyme, and a range of diverse characters. The illustrators are fabulous; they all bring color and life to my words. Explore these board book options for your little ones. They will surely elicit grabbing, chewing, giggling, and hugging from the tiniest book lovers!
Read moreA huge thank you to Patricia Newman for the opportunity to join as a guest blogger on her amazing STEM & Language Arts Blog, LitLinks. In the post, we explore how to teach leveled haiku to different age groups based on my book “How Do You Haiku?: A Step-by-Step Guide with Templates. Once students get the hang of writing haiku, they can explore creative templates like writing haiku comics, creating kuhi (poem stones), and more!
Read more🎉 Hello readers! I wanted to inform you of a major sale this week at B&N. Customers enrolled in B&N’s Membership program (free Rewards tier or paid Premium tier) can get 25% off!
Don’t worry if you’re not a member—you can join for free! Plus, if you are a paid premium member, you get an additional 10% off! These books will be released next year in January (The Welcome Book) and February (Bunny’s Easter Basket).
Read moreYou don’t want to miss this “fin”tastic video of my counting book, Swallow the Leader, in which La La Librarian sings the text and uses fishy cups to recreate the story! It’s so much fun! Little readers can play along, read the book, and then make their own craft-time fishy cups to count.
Read moreIt doesn’t happen often, but once in a blue moon more than one forthcoming book goes up for pre-sale (in this case all three in the same week!). I’m excited to share my next three children’s books releasing this year and next!
Read moreAnxiety, the uninvited party crasher in our brains, can really mess with your health and relationships and affect our overall health. I don’t talk about it often but I have OCD and have had anxiety for years. I’ve been working on a passion book project for teens and adults between writing children’s books and it’s finally here! This creative workbook is bursting with activities to help you manage anxiety, increase mindfulness, and find a path to calm. From one anxious buddy to another, I hope this book brings you the calm you crave. You’ve got this!
Read moreThis cute little board book has been getting some extra love lately. I’m thrilled to announce the following awards and lovely reviews:
Read more🏆 Each year a committee of the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) identifies the best of the best in children’s books. 📚
I’m so pleased that Peek-A-Boo Haiku is on this year’s ALSC Notable list! Many thanks to the Association for Library Services to Children and congratulations to all 2024 notables!
I have good news! The Hawk of the Castle has been reprinted and is now back in stock and available wherever books are sold!
Inspired by my late father, this is the book of my heart, and I’m pleased my readers love it, too! Enjoy the video below. I’ve written an article about why and how the book was written. If you’d like to read The Story Behind the Story, you can find it here.
Read moreIt is mid-January, which means we are deep into winter, and many of you may be feeling the winter blues. I am pleased to share this post from children’s book author Ken Baker with you today. Hopefully, it will help you dig yourself out of that snowy emotional bank. To top it all off, two of my winter books, The Colors of Winter and Arctic White, are spotlighted! A big thanks to Ken for sharing these tips and my books! Click the image below to read all about it!
Read moreChristmas is in just two weeks, but Santa’s Book Elves have been busy all year long! I’ve truly been blessed to get to do what I love and want to share the joy with my readers. Please unwrap the gifts below as my thanks to you and know that every book you buy, share, like, and review is appreciated.
Read moreI am excited to share the cover of the next book in The COLORS OF series! THE COLORS OF FALL is illustrated by Jessica Gibson and it has me wanting to curl up on the couch with a cozy blanket and a cup of cider! Pre-order your copy now and this cute Little Golden Book will be in your mailbox around August 6, 2024, just in time for next fall!
Read moreI’m happy to have my newest book, “How Do You Haiku?” featured on Matt Esenwine’s blog this Poetry Friday! Head over to Radio, Rhythm, & Rhyme for my interview with Matt on the making of the book and to celebrate with us!
Read moreI am pleased to share my interview with Literary Titan about my new how to haiku handbook and why I wrote it. Click the bolded title below for the scoop!
I am happy to welcome this “how to haiku” handbook into the world (for ages 8 & up)! I fell in love with words from the moment I met them and wrote my first poem when I was eight years old. This is the book I wish I had when I was young. A book that would not only teach me simple ways to understand and write haiku but one that also said that my words were worthwhile, and my poetry was worth sharing. This book is part technique, part pep-talk, and part wordplay with a whole lot of templates and haiku crafts. I hope you love it as much as I do and will share the love by introducing it to kids, teachers, librarians, and parents.
Read moreI live and breathe picture books. I am always in awe of the creativity and passion children’s book authors weave into their work. When I read Today I Am a River by Kate Coombs I was immediately in love with it and had to share it with you all! Following my review, you can get the inside scoop on the creation of this beautiful book in my interview with Kate!
Read moreI’m excited to share the news about my next Little Golden Books as announced in Publishers Marketplace! I am happy to grow my Little Golden Book list and round out this seasonal series. Xinidi Yan’s will be illustrating the books and I can’t wait to see her work her magic! A big thanks to my agent Tracy Marchini at BookEnds Jr who made the deal happen and to LGB editor, Andrea Posner-Sanchez for believing in my work!
Read moreIt’s Sing with Your Child Month and what better way to celebrate the holiday than with this sing-along picture book! Check out the review of Rooftop Garden by Celebrate Picture Books blog here or by clicking the book cover below. While you’re there sing along to the toe-tapping audio and video that accompanies the book (via a QR code on the back cover) and download garden activities for the kids.
Read moreIn order to raise compassionate, happy, and confident children, there are certain life lessons they need to learn and understand. Lessons about empathy, love, kindness, and deeper, more difficult lessons like death and war. Through the magic of picture books, kids have a way to explore the lessons that they may not experience in their everyday life.
Read moreI am pleased to welcome (cue the confetti!) this beautiful book into the world and share it with little readers everywhere! It was a joy to work with the team at Little Simon. Their vision, along with Teagan White’s illustrations was just the right mix for this poetic lift-the-flap book! While you are here, check out the book trailer, and downloadable activities for all ages, and pick up a copy to share with your favorite littles.
Read moreAs I wrap up the old year in holiday paper and finish it off with a bow, I want to take the time to thank you, my faithful readers, for all the book love and support. I appreciate every like, share, PM, email, fan letter, recommendation, purchase, read and review of my books. It means the world to me! Your support allows me to do what I love—create books for kids.
Read moreThanking is easy. Thanking is fun. Here’s a new way to thank someone! Download this darling thank you card on heavy card stock for the kids to write and send a special thank you to someone for something they are grateful for.
Read moreGiveaway ends October 29, 2022.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads.
Read moreDid you know there is a national holiday called Buy a Book Day? Yep, and what better way to celebrate the day than with this beautiful review of my latest release, THE THANK YOU BOOK? I am deeply grateful to the team at Simon and Schuster and amazing illustrator Juliana Perdomo for their vision and for bringing my words to life! Check out the review here, which includes a downloadable thank you card and a fun thankfulness Jar activity that the whole family can enjoy.
Read moreHaving gone through a rollercoaster DNA discovery experience and writing YA Novel in verse, The Complete Book of Aspen, I am happy to have contributed to Shepherd with my book review list, The Best Books That Prove DNA Sucks at Keeping Secrets. Click on my shelf to browse the fabulous books on DNA I recommend (and why).
Read moreI have been writing since I was a child, and I’m a poetry blogger at PoetryPop.com, so getting an offer on a poetry book for littles is a dream come true—my two passions combined!
I am thrilled to share the cover for the first time today! Many thanks to my agent Tracy Marchini at Bookends Junior Literary Agency, who found Peek-a-Boo Haiku the perfect home with Simon & Schuster (Little Simon), and to amazing illustrator, Tegan White, who brought my words to life.
Read moreRecently, my Young Adult novel-in-verse was featured on Deborah Kalb’s blog. Four years ago through DNA testing, I learned a life-altering family secret…the father who raised me was not my biological father. The Complete Book of Aspen is based on my true DNA experience. The story is Aspen’s, but we share the gamut of emotions. Head over to Deborah’s blog to learn about why I wrote this book and how it came to be by clicking on the link above or the book cover below.
Read moreWhen Aspen’s best friend gives her a DNA test kit, a half teaspoon of spit is all it takes to discover her entire life has been a lie.
I am proud to share the cover of my debut young adult novel releasing May 30, 2022! This is the book of my heart. This is the book based on my true story. This book helped me through a very real, very difficult time in my life. Four years ago, I took a DNA test and discovered the man who raised me and whom I loved dearly was not my biological father.
Read moreIf you are like me, just looking at this cover with art by Juliana Perdomo will make you happy! I’m pleased to be able to share it with you finally! Take a look below at the summary and get a sneak peek of the interior. In stores on September 6, 2022, just in time for Thanksgiving.
Read moreWe sowed the seeds for this book last year and I’m thrill to say it’s ready to bloom on May 16th! It was a joy to work with the team at Barefoot Books. Their vision, along with illustrator Pati Aguilera and singer Holly Turton was just the right mix for this joyful singalong! Readers can scan the QR code on the back cover for the audio and video. “Prepare the food and take a seat. Pass a plate, and let’s all eat. A garden feast! Oh, what a treat!” “Yum, garden! Yum, garden! Yum, yum, yum!”
Read moreI love it when I get to share a new cover for an upcoming book, especially when it’s a chunky, train-shaped board book for my littlest readers! Wake Up, Freight Train! will be released by Little Simon on March 1, 2022, but it’s available for pre-order now (see below for links). I’m in love with the colorful illustrations by Jon Andersen!
Read moreI’m excited to share my next picture book releasing March 1, 2o22 by Amicus Ink, and available for pre-order now!
When a box of cell phones is accidentally delivered to the zoo, one blue gnu quickly calls two white sheep, who plan a party—beep beep beep! Call by call, the party spreads around the zoo, but oh no! Who invited the hungry tiger? And who will he call on his new phone? Get ready for this giggle-enticing “gnu” book!
Read moreI love what I do! Writing books for children is my passion and a dream job come true. Part of an author or illustrator’s job is promoting their books to make sure they get into the hands and minds of little readers. Most creatives don’t have the means to hire professional publicists, so they do what they can. School visits, bookstore signings, blogging, and community events are all great ways to share the book love, but we also rely on good old fashioned word of mouth.
Read moreHave you all heard about Shepherd? It’s a beautiful, easy to navigate website dedicated to helping adult readers and parents of littles find great books on every subject imaginable. The site is set up in categories with shelves of similar books accompanied by reviews and recommendations from authors who know a thing or two about the subject. It’s “like browsing the best bookstore in the world.”
Read moreIf there is one thing I’ve learned in my 20-plus years of writing books for kids, it is that the community of children’s book writers, illustrators, and creators are wonderfully supportive. We share the ups and downs of this rewarding and, yes, difficult at times, business with one another and I feel blessed to have made many lifelong friends along the way.
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Celebrate Picture Books reviewed The Hawk of the Castle for National Reading Month! Fly on over to the blog post for an in-depth look at this beautiful picture book illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline. Plus, test your knowledge on falconry with the activity guides and coloring pages.
Recently, The Hawk of the Castle was featured on The Story Behind the Story on Literally Lynne Marie‘s blog. Many of you know my father was a falconer, but not many know of my unusual childhood filled with a menagerie of animals. My upbringing, in hindsight, filled my writer’s mind with bits of nesting scraps to later weave into stories. Learn all about why I wrote this beautiful book (as my father battled dementia), and how it came to be by clicking on the link above or the book page below.
Read moreMost of us can remember growing up with Little Golden Books, the little gems that captured our hearts at the store while our parents shopped. Books like The Poky Little Puppy, Scuffy the Tugboat and my favorite, Wonders of Nature, caught our attention with their distinctive gold foil spines, colorful illustrations, and exciting adventures. I remember scribbling my name in many Little Golden Books throughout my childhood. These little books were like friends.
Read moreIsolation at home for nearly nine months hasn’t been as difficult for me as it has been for some. I’ve worked from home for more than 20 years, so I’m used to spending the majority of my time at my desk with my dog, Peanut, creating new books (with walking breaks in between verses, prose, and page). Sure, I have missed things like sharing my books with children, attending writing conferences and signings, the yoga studio, and spending time with friends and family. And my grown kids, I really miss my kids! But there have been some bright spots to 2020 too:
Read moreI’m excited to share the news about my next books as announced in Publishers Weekly!
Read moreI had the pleasure of sitting down for an interview with Linda Joy Singleton, a reporter for CYNSATIONS, where we chatted about how my love of poetry influences my picture books, the turning points of my writing career, and my out-of-the-box promotion adventures.
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