I first met Michaela MacColl through her writing; I believe it was Always Emily. I have since had the pleasure of meeting her in person and while we talked historical fiction, I had no idea she had a family story that wanted telling. It is one thing to write about a family member who is… Read more »
A few years back, I was chatting with Varian Johnson after a long day of conference presentations. He was debating leaving his day job to write full time. He had the pros and cons spelled out, as an engineer would. Luckily for children’s literature, the pros won out. I am so pleased to host Varian… Read more »
Three squeezes are woven into the fabric of the Larson family household. From the time my kids were itsy, they knew that three squeezes when holding hands meant “I love you.” So my heart was immediately captured by Jason Pratt’s poignant picture book, Three Squeezes, illustrated by Chris Sheban (Roaring Brook Press). Jason takes that… Read more »
What fun it is to host my lovely friend Jennifer K. Man today in celebration of her newest picture book, The Camping Trip, (Candlewick Press). There is something so dear in Jennifer’s kid-friendly illustrations, which are deceptively simple. These charming drawings invite us in, and they reveal something new with each reading. And even though… Read more »
I first met featured illustrator Kaelen Felix when she was a preteen. I was presenting at a children’s literature festival in Missouri and Kaelen’s mom drove her a long way just to meet me! I’m so grateful Kaelen’s stayed in touch over the years and so pleased to share her newest illustration effort here, Freddy The… Read more »
It is a treat to host Tamara Ellis Smith today in celebration of her newest picture book, Here and There, illustrated by Evelyn Daviddi (Barefoot Books). If you visit Tamara’s beautiful website, you’ll find the words, “together we can turn empathy into action.” Her lovely book — and the ripples it’s already making in the… Read more »
I confess to not remembering how Sarah Miller and I first met face-to-face, but I knew we would be pals after reading her Miss Spitfire: Reaching Helen Keller (Atheneum Books for Young Readers). Sarah brought out aspects of Annie Sullivan and Helen Keller that were new and fresh to me; I also figured out she… Read more »
All I have to do is think of Elly Swartz and I smile. She is one of those people who radiates joy. And hopefulness. And I love her even though she likes Twizzlers, when anyone knows red licorice is way, way better. Her latest book is sure to expand even the Scroogiest of hearts. And… Read more »
It is such an honor to host acclaimed author Lesléa Newman today, and I think the timing is absolutely perfect, given the topic of her newest book. I had the lovely fortune of seeing F&Gs of Gittel’s Journey: An Ellis Island Story, poignantly illustrated by Amy June Bates (Harry N. Abrams) almost exactly one year… Read more »
Given the title of her book, it seems quite appropriate that Yamile Saied Mendez and I met in Vermont when the weather hovered around 14 degrees. Despite the chill, Yamile radiated warmth. She was so positive and upbeat and supportive of her fellow students in the Vermont College MFA program; I felt confident good things… Read more »