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 »
Dearest Gentle Reader, did you miss me? (Ha! That’s a quote from the Netflix show, Bridgerton.) My goodness, the world is a crazy place right now. I hope you’re staying healthy AND sane. I also hope for peace in Ukraine and a safer world in the months to come. I have to admit that the… 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, 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 »
An unexpected package arrived the other day from Penguin Random House, the publisher of my upcoming picture book THE PAPER KINGDOM (release date: February 18, 2020). If you’re a subscriber to my website, you already know the contents of the package because I just sent out my first newsletter exclusive to subscribers! (If you’ve subscribed… 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! 🙌❤️
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#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!)
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#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 ❤️
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#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!❤️
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#picturebook #kidlit #booklaunch #childrensbooks #childrensliterature #authorsofinstagram #book #childrensbook #aapiheritagemonth #aapi
