My first Christmas picture book is coming, and I am as excited as…well…a kid at Christmas! The Christmas That Almost Wasn’t was inspired by my memories of the ice storm of 2013. The story has slowly been taking shape since then and I am thrilled that it has found a home with Beaming Books. Editor… Continue reading Coming Soon: The Christmas That Almost Wasn’t
Every so often, a book enters your life at precisely the right time. For me, one such book was The Fantastic Jungles of Henri Rousseau by Michelle Markel and Amanda Hall. I had been in Grand Rapids for a meeting and during some free time found my way to Eerdmans for some book shopping. This… Continue reading Cover Reveal: The Curious Life of Cecilia Payne
When I was little I was scared of the dark. I imaged creatures lurking in my closet or under the bed. I hated descending alone to the shadowy basement with its oil burning furnace that sometimes whooshed to life unexpectedly with a fiery gasp and made me jump. Whenever I came home late from my… Continue reading Who Needs the Dark? Coming Soon!
On Tuesday May 13th, 2025 I welcome two new picture books into the world! Like any parent of twins (I imagine), I was worried I would not be able to give each one adequate attention. Happily, the connection between wind and water is a natural one and I have been having fun finding ways to… Continue reading Twin Book Birthdays!
First, there was Sun in My Tummy. Now get ready for Sea in My Cells! Illustrator Andrea Blinick and I have teamed up again with our particular blend of nature, science, and a splash of whimsy! Sea in My Cells sweeps children up into the journey of water as it shape-shifts its way from clouds,… Continue reading Cover Reveal: Sea in My Cells
One of the little joys of life is a cover reveal, and I have waited a long time for this one. I am absolutely delighted to introduce my upcoming book, Wind, Stop Blowing! The origins of this story go back almost twenty years to an autumn afternoon in a local park. My son (then a… Continue reading Wind, Stop Blowing!
I saw my first robin of the spring this past weekend. On the same day, I also realized that all the tomato seeds I had carefully collected and packaged last season are still languishing in a drawer because I forgot to start them indoors. Regret (and some guilt) over my lapse in tending to my… Continue reading Here: Thoughts for Earth Month
