Hello, hello! I’ve been absent for a few months because SOOO much has been going on. I’ve definitely been spending a lot of time processing all the latest developments in the country and in the world. I hope you’re staying safe, healthy and sane through all the ups and downs. First, I’m posting an image… Read more »
Hello, and how are you these days? (If you want to skip down to the Reading Guide & Activity, scroll past the photos of my backyard below.) I hope you’re staying safe and healthy, and also staying sane. I know it’s really hard to remain cool and calm when the news is full of awful… Read more »
The industry reviews are starting to roll in for The Paper Kingdom, and I’m so overjoyed that Kirkus gave the book a starred review (like a critic’s pick)!! Kirkus called it, “A beautiful, must-read tribute to hardworking families and the magic they create.” Per my editor at Penguin Random House, “Starred reviews are rare, and… Read more »
I can’t believe we’re in the last stretch of summer. I’m still getting mosquito bites and craving ice-cold lemonade, so it doesn’t feel like summer’s over. Say it ain’t so!! A few months ago, my publisher sent me some Folded & Gathered (F&G) copies of my upcoming book, THE PAPER KINGDOM. Subscribers to my website… Read more »
One of the questions I get asked most frequently is, “Where do you find inspiration?” My usual response involves a nod to nature, travel, friends, family…. What I rarely respond with (for fear of boring the inquirer) is this: poetry. I’ve always found inspiration in poetry. I love how closely poets look at our world…. Read more »
My latest article for the SCBWI is up! Check out the Seven Things I Learned After Publishing My First Book. I had to respect the word-count limit for the article. Otherwise, I would’ve written about a hundred things I learned!
Warning #1: This is a long post. Warning #2: Unless you want to be traditionally published, this post may be immensely boring to you. You’ve been warned. Okay, why did I write this post? Because I wanted to do something to help aspiring authors who land on my website. Here are my answers to some… Read more »
I can’t believe 2018 is almost over! It was a truly memorable year, a year of firsts. First book published, first launch party in NYC, first international school visit, first time I had to decline a speaking engagement (in Paris of all places!) simply because I couldn’t make the time…the list goes on. I have… Read more »
September 8th was a great day, a day that’ll live on in my memory! So many lovely people showed up for our L.A. book event — it was standing room only! Over a hundred people were in the audience, and like during our NYC event, kids asked some of the best questions: Will the book… Read more »
“IT IS THE POSSIBILITY OF HAVING A DREAM COME TRUE THAT MAKES LIFE INTERESTING.” – PAULO COELHO IT ALL STARTED WITH A DREAM… I wanted to be a writer as soon as I was able to read at age four. I loved meeting new characters and plunging into their worlds, and I wanted to create… Read more »
I love @villagebookbuilders ❤️ They build libraries in rural communities & villages across the world, and they invited me to do an inaugural virtual visit to the Gram Sewa Library in Nepal! It was so cool to meet the students, and to hear about their hopes and dreams 🙌🌏
(Visit villagebookbuilders.org if you’d like to donate or get involved in their amazing projects.)
#villagebookbuilders #nepal #picturebooks #childrensbooks #kidlit #authorsofinstagram #authorlife #virtualvisit #bookworm
I’m so thrilled to reveal my next book, Sora’s Seashells!🎉 The launch date is May 9, but it can be pre-ordered now 😊You’ll see luminous watercolors by @stellalim_art & @ji_hyukkim — each page is truly a work of art! 🙌The story is about a girl who learns the meaning of her unique name and gains the courage to deal with school bullies, thanks to her grandmother. The team @candlewickpress put together a gorgeous book, and I’m so grateful for all the incredible attention & care.
For signed/personalized copies, please order through @cbwchildrensbooks — they’ll also host a launch event on Sat, May 13th at noon. Join me for a fun chat + some surprises! More details at the link in my bio. Thank you, all!! ❤️
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#coverreveal #bookstagram #picturebooks #kidsbooks #childrensbooks #childrensbookillustration #bookworm #booklover #childrensliterature #kidlit #watercolor #watercolorart #illustration #picturebook #authorsofinstagram #booklaunch
Thinking of our friends in Turkey 🇹🇷 I actually can’t believe we were there just a few months ago (photos taken in late Oct 2022). Beautiful country, lovely people. ❤️ I hope they heal soon from the devastating earthquake — it’s after terrible events like this when I’m in awe of the brave people who are helping on the ground, like the @white.helmets 🙌
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#turkey🇹🇷 #whitehelmets #whitehelmetsturkey #turkiye
One of my favorite things: morning coffee in the front yard with a good book & Sherwin saying hello to all the neighbors + their pups. This gorgeous book of photos, recipes & essays is by photographer extraordinaire @jamiebeck.co ❤️ Makes me reeeeally want to go back to Provence! 🌻
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#anamericaninprovence #provence #photography #lazyweekends #bookstagram #book #bookrecommendations
(Video taken from our hot air balloon over Cappadocia, Turkey at sunrise - a few months ago in Oct 2022)
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#happynewyear #2023 #cappadocia #turkiye #hotairballoon #turkey🇹🇷 #authorlife #research
