SORA IS HERE!! Happy book birthday to Sora’s Seashells!! It took a looooong while for this book to arrive, but it’s finally here. And it’s absolutely gorgeous. A huge thanks to all of you for being with me on the journey, and kudos to everyone who helped usher the book into the world! The story… Read more »
THE COUNTDOWN BEGINS… Happy Easter & Happy Passover to those who celebrate! Sora’s Seashells is ALMOST here!! We’re just moments away from the book’s birthday, May 9, 2023. After four years of waiting to see the book in physical form, I finally got to hold an early copy…and it is magical! The amazing illustrators (Stella… Read more »
Hello, I hope you’re doing well! I just love this time of year, when the colder weather gives me a good excuse to guzzle giant mugs of hot cocoa with homemade whipped cream…YUM. Before I get to the main topic of this post (“How Do Bestsellers Happen?!”), here are some very cool updates. GOLDEN POPPY… Read more »
Hello, friends! I have some great news and not-so-great news. Does this feel like déjà vu? That’s because IT IS!! I wrote a similar thing with the release of The Paper Kingdom two years ago… *sigh* Let’s begin with the not-so-great news… The pandemic impacts yet another book launch! Due to supply chain and shipping… Read more »
Hello, friends! How are you?? Boy, when the world first started shutting down last March, I thought this uncertainty would only last a few weeks, so I left a drawer full of tasty snacks in my desk at work, expecting to be reunited with my gourmet cookies before they began rotting. NEARLY TWO YEARS LATER… Read more »
Hello, all! I hope you’re staying healthy and well as we soldier through these unusual times. And as the end of this crazy year approaches, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all of you – my friends, family, readers, subscribers and fellow creators — for all your book love for The Paper Kingdom…. Read more »
Hello! I hope you’re staying safe, strong, and sane during this time of continued uncertainty. Is it crazy hot where you are? We’ve been having some blistering days (and wildfires) in California. What a nutty summer (and a nutty year). UPDATES These past few months of lockdown have been some of the busiest months in… Read more »
Hello, lovelies! Hope you had a chocolate-filled Valentine’s Day 🙂 I’m so happy to announce that Candlewick Press has acquired my manuscript, SORA’S SEASHELLS! The deal announcement from Publisher’s Weekly is below. I get to work with brilliant editor Kate Fletcher, who edited Meg Medina’s MERCI SUAREZ CHANGES GEARS — the 2019 Newbery Award-winning novel…. Read more »
I have been in love with the artwork of Jean-Jacques Sempé since I was fifteen, when I read the NICOLAS series (which he illustrated) for a high school French class. Sempé is known in the U.S. for his iconic New Yorker covers, such as this one: But in his home country of France, his illustrated… Read more »
Wow…we received garden tomatoes from a neighbor, and I tossed a Caprese salad. An Italian party is in full force in my mouth!! Simple ingredients: excellent tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, extra virgin olive oil, salt + pepper. That’s it! I’m sure this doesn’t qualify as “cooking,” but I was so proud of the results that I took 15+ photos 🙌😁
#imalmostvegeterian #summersalad #caprese
#authorlife #quicklunch
A fabulous new discovery for me: @arvidabookco in Tustin, CA. What a charming bookstore-cafe! 💕 They’re hosting a bookfest this entire weekend, and yesterday was such a fun time. I saw some friends I hadn’t seen in decades, and hung out with authors/illustrators/booklovers who renewed my sense of purpose! 🙌❤️
.
.
.
#authorsofinstagram #kidlit #booklovers #childrensbooks #arvidabookco #picturebook #authorlife #illustrator
Happy summertime, everyone! Join me and an amazing lineup of authors/illustrators at @arvidabookco in Tustin, CA this weekend for a fun reading fest + coffee/tea! I’ll be there with the wonderful @bshum79 & @averyandaugustine on Saturday, July 1 at 2:30. I’d love to hang out with you & chat about stories! ❤️ (Thanks to Arvida Book Co for these fun images + hosting/organizing the event!)
.
.
.
#bookfest #readingfestival #reading #picturebooks #books #ilovebooks #authorsofinstagram #kidlit #arvidabookco
Before becoming an author, I had no idea that public speaking came with the territory. And what’s shocked me most is…how much I enjoy it! I love connecting with people of all ages over our shared love of stories—it’s so energizing & inspiring…just try to get me to leave the stage! 😂 Some highlights from last month: a TV interview, a virtual program with the one & only @lapubliclibrary (the re-play is on YouTube—link in bio!), a fun launch event at @cbwchildrensbooks and author visits at four fabulous schools! Check out the giant banner 😮😮😮
I wish everyone a safe and happy summer, and thank you so much for all the warmth & book love ❤️
.
.
.
#authorsofinstagram #authors #authorlife #childrensbooks #childrensliterature #picturebooks #picturebook #illustratedbook #kidlit #writerlife
Tomorrow (Fri, May 19 at 4 p.m. Pacific) will be my last public event for Sora’s Seashells 😊 Join me & the Los Angeles Public Library on their YouTube channel for a fun chat! Plus, they’re giving away dozens of free copies, thanks to the generous Library Foundation of L.A. More info at the link in my bio. See you online tomorrow!❤️
.
.
.
#picturebook #kidlit #booklaunch #childrensbooks #childrensliterature #authorsofinstagram #book #childrensbook #aapiheritagemonth #aapi
