Written by Laurie Ann Thompson, illustrated by Jay Fleck Dial Books, April 2023 I’m thrilled to announce the release of my two newest books, YOU ARE A HONEY BEE! and YOU ARE A RACCOON!, the first two books in an adorable, STEM nonfiction picture book series that encourages very young readers to learn—through gentle interactivity and play—about the animals who share their world.
Who Gives a Poop? Surprising Science from One End to the Other By: Heather L. Montgomery, Illustrator: Iris Gottlieb Bloomsbury Children’s Books/October 13, 2020 Ages 10–14, 192 pages Here’s what the publisher says: This uniquely crafted narrative nonfiction invites readers to follow the author into science labs, forests, hospitals, and landfills, as the author asks: Who uses poo? Poop is disgusting, but it’s also packed with
I have some great news to share today! I’m thrilled to announce that Listening Library at Penguin Random House Audio will be producing an Emmanuel’s Dream audiobook edition!! This is super exciting to me for two reasons: First, I love listening to audiobooks! I listen when I’m walking the dog, driving, doing housework, basically anytime it isn’t practical to have
The inspiring image above is a spread from my upcoming picture book, ELIZABETH WARREN’S BIG, BOLD PLANS, illustrated by the amazing Susanna Chapman and releasing on May 5 (hooray!). These days, it often feels hard to conceive of big, bold plans. I’ll admit, some days just getting out of my pajamas feels like a victory. And for those of those
Why empower kids and teens during COVID-19? They need it! Taking action is one important way to make a problem seem more manageable and less frightening, so getting young people involved can actually help them cope with the situation we are all facing. Giving them a purpose gives them something else to focus on besides what they’ve lost or what they’re
I’m struggling to write a poetic picture book. To fill me with the metaphor, imagery, rhythm and meter that I’m striving for, I’ve been reading other books of poetry. Two interesting things happened during today’s readings… First, I was reading Gleams When Wet by Debra Spencer. I had picked it up at Half Price Books on a whim, since I’m
Today I’m thrilled to be a part of the blog tour for Clare Hodgson Meeker’s new book, Growing Up Gorilla! GROWING UP GORILLA by Clare Hodgson Meeker Millbrook Press/September 3, 2019 Grades 3–6, 48 pages Here’s what the publisher says about Growing Up Gorilla: This heartwarming true story chronicles what happened after a mother gorilla gave birth for the first time and
A few weeks ago I was honored to travel to Pasadena, CA, to the California Library Association conference to receive the California Young Reader Medal for Emmanuel’s Dream. This is a very special award because the winning book in each category is chosen by the kids themselves. First, the award tea itself. There were teas and sandwiches and all kinds
TWO TRUTHS AND A LIE: FORCES OF NATURE, the third book in the series, is finally here! So, what’s this one about? Here’s an overview: Crazy-but-true stories make this acclaimed nonfiction series perfect for fans of curiosities and wonders—and anyone looking to explore ways to separate fact from fiction. Did you know studies have shown that too many fidget spinners
The month isn’t even over yet, but so much has been packed into the last few weeks it feels more like two months already! That’s not exactly an excuse for neglecting the blog, but, you know, life happens. Anyway… Beachside Nonfiction Workshop I started out the month at the Beachside Nonfiction Workshop with Candace Fleming & Jennifer Swanson. It was amazing!