I’m thrilled to share my latest book deal, a humorous STEM picture book inspired by my very own cat (and his “experiments”). This one teaches young readers about Newton’s Laws of Motion through the eyes of a curious, science-loving feline and his less-than-enthusiastic family. I feel so lucky to get to collaborate on it with Justin Krasner and Karen Obuhanych (go look up her cat illustrations right now): I’m still pinching myself! Alas, we’ll all have to wait until May 2027 to see the final product.
My latest picture book, Let the Light In, is now available wherever books are sold. This book was initially inspired by watching a dear friend navigate a terrible loss, and I drafted and revised it while working through some sad transitions of my own. That may sound a bit dreary, but this book is all about taking care of yourself until you can feel joy again. Adriana Predoi brought it to life so beautifully with her wonderful illustrations, and I’m thrilled to be able to share it with the world. May it offer comfort to all who read it and spark truly authentic conversations between children and their caring adults. Find out more and order your copies here.
From the publisher:
Help little ones move from sadness to brighter days with this hopeful and encouraging look at a universal emotion.
It’s normal to feel sad, but for kids, sadness can often feel overwhelming and confusing. Let the Light In meets children in their moment of sadness and offers empathetic ideas on how to navigate it. Concrete and simple ideas include creative expression, going for a walk, paying attention to the world around them, and visiting a friend. Little ones will be left with the uplifting message that, whether it happens in big ways or small, all at once or over time, sadness will eventually fade, and better days will come.
The fourth book in the Meet Your World series, You Are a Garter Snake!, is now available wherever books are sold. Find out more and order your copies here!
From the publisher:
The fourth in the 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
Stretch, slip, twist! You may haves seen a small, sleek garter snake disappear amid rocks or flowers. Did you know that garter snakes sniff with their tongues, huddle together for winter, and spray smelly stuff to scare off predators? From birth to first shedding and beyond, discover all that goes into being a garter snake in this charming picture book, the fourth in the Meet Your World series.
This playful and informative series invites you to take a closer look at the amazing animals that live right alongside you in rural, suburban, and urban landscapes across North America. In each book, words and art inspire you to act out animal actions that are not so different from your own habits. And robust backmatter offers even more facts and fun. From the animals’ families and foods to their environments and behaviors, let’s meet your world!
Each year, a committee for the Maryland Library Association (MLA) selects one winning book and up to three honor books to receive an award in each of the following categories: Beginning Reader Fiction, Beginning Reader Nonfiction, Transitional Fiction, Transitional Nonfiction. The purpose of the award is to identify and promote the best fiction and nonfiction books published at the K‑2nd grade reading level (early readers) and at the 2nd-4th grade reading level (transitional readers), both for children reading at grade level and for reluctant older readers; to provide teachers, librarians, and caregivers with a resource list of excellent books for beginning readers; and to encourage publishers, authors, and illustrators to create high-quality books for beginning readers.
Here are this year’s winners in all categories:
It’s a huge honor to win, and I’m so grateful to the committee for selecting YOU ARE A RACCOON!
YOU ARE A HONEY BEE! and YOU ARE A RACCOON! are now available as board books.
Even while I was first researching and writing these, I pictured them as board books. So I’m thrilled they’re finally available in that format for the youngest readers and nature lovers to enjoy (and grab at, and chew on, and…). They’re only one spread shorter than the hardcovers, and they still have backmatter, though I did simplify and condense it a bit.
Find out more about the series and order your copies here!
The third book in the Meet Your World series, You Are a Robin!, is now available wherever books are sold. Find out more and order your copies here!
From the publisher:
The third in the 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.
Flit, flap, flutter! You might have seen a robin flying overhead or heard one singing in the trees. Did you know that robins tidy themselves up, teach their babies to find food, and are almost fully grown in just two weeks? From birth to first flutter and beyond, discover all that goes into being a robin in this charming picture book, the third in the Meet Your World series.
This playful and informative series invites you to take a closer look at the amazing animals that live right alongside you in rural, suburban, and urban landscapes across North America. In each book, words and art inspire you to act out animal actions that are not so different from your own habits. And robust backmatter offers even more facts and fun. From the animals’ families and foods to their environments and behaviors, let’s meet your world!
I love participating in children’s author Julie Hedlund’s 12 Days of Christmas for Writers as part of my year-end reflection and new year goal-setting process. Day 3 of the series is an opportunity to reflect on our successes during the past year.
Here is my professional success list for 2023:
I signed a contract for a new picture book and delivered the final manuscript text.
I drafted an informational fiction picture book I’ve had in my head for quite a while (but am still working on).
I re-envisioned and re-drafted an older informational fiction picture book manuscript I’ve been working on for a long time (and am still working on).
I finished revising a nonfiction picture book manuscript.
I took Elana K. Arnold’s Revision Season course and did several revision passes on my first-ever novel (and still have more revising to do).
I updated my website with the new book information and speaking details.
Personally, I also:
spent a lot of quality time with my adult children,
volunteered as a naturalist with my city’s parks department,
volunteered in a variety of roles with Citizens Climate Lobby, including lobbying Congress (twice!) to take action to protect our climate,
got CPR certified, and
took not one but two dream vacations!
I often feel like I’m not getting enough done, like I’m not working hard enough, like nothing is happening. It’s good to look back and see, wow, actually, it was a pretty good year!
There is now an activity kit/curriculum guide for the first two books in the Meet Your World series, YOU ARE A HONEY BEE! and YOU ARE A RACCOON!, and it is adorable! The guide features creative art projects, games, and writing and science-related activities to extend both the fun and educational value of the books. You can download it HERE. Huge thanks to Debbie Gonzales at Guides by Deb for creating these wonderful resources for parents and educators.
Recent appearances
I’ve been doing so many exciting school visits, storytimes, and virtual and online events. Here are just a few!
Watch the #GreenPB2023 Celebrate Earth Picture Book Party excerpt for You Are a Honey Bee! here
Watch the #GreenPB2023 Celebrate Earth Picture Book Party excerpt for You Are a Raccoon! here
Click here to watch the SCBWI-WWA spring 2023 Inside Story excerpt for both books in the Meet Your World series
I presented an interactive in-person storytime/signing event at the lovely Invitation Bookshop in Gig Harbor, WA
I presented several virtual and in-person author visits at schools, plus an in-person storytime event for preschoolers at a local library. I wish I could show you their adorable faces and matching shirts, but to protect their privacy you’ll have to settle for this:
I was also fortunate to be able to attend Kindling Words West at the Whidbey Institute and spend a week working on my middle-grade fantasy novel in community with other industry pros. Here’s what my room looked like. Isn’t it cute?
What I’ve been reading… that you should, too!
Here are some of my favorite recent reads:
The Girl from Earth’s End by Tara Dairman: Wow! This book blew my mind in the best kind of way. There is so much packed into this middle-grade novel, but somehow it doesn’t feel overwhelming. Instead, it feels just right, like a warm hug from a dear friend.
ALL of the #GreenPB2023 releases! Seriously, if you have any interest in science, nature, animals, or the environment (or know a young reader who does), check out these wonderful new picture books.
Writing (or life in general, really) advice
I was reading this interview with Abi Cushman, author/illustrator of Wombats Are Pretty Weird, and came across this perfect little tidbit of writing advice:
“…the important thing to realize is that feeling uncomfortable in the process just means you’re challenging yourself, and that’s a good thing.”
I’ve always tried to live my life by that mantra, and I think it’s such a good thing to remember. Discomfort doesn’t necessarily mean you shouldn’t do the thing, or that you’re doing it wrong. It just means you’re pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone, which is necessary for growth.
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.
This playful and informative series, available in hardcover, ebook, and audiobook editions, invites you to take a closer look at the amazing animals that live right alongside you in rural, suburban, and urban landscapes across North America. In each book, words and art inspire you to act out animal actions that are not so different from your own habits. And robust backmatter offers even more facts and fun. From the animals’ families and foods to their environments and behaviors, let’s meet your world!
PRAISE FOR MEET YOUR WORLD:
“A very useful work for environmental science and animal studies in the classroom and for individual reading. The hardworking life of a honey bee is shown through a lively text and colorful illustrations which offer significant information.” – School Library Journal
“Thompson has crafted a truly wonderful book that not only pulls readers in with a cute tale about animals but also incorporates activities that mimic the lives of raccoons—all while being educational! All libraries will want to include this in their children’s collections.” – School Library Journal
“Naturalistic and charming.” – Kirkus Reviews
Swish, swoosh, fly! You might have heard the words “busy as a bee,” but what do bees actually do each day? Did you know bees clean their rooms, help feed baby bees, and build the hive they live in? From birth to first flight and beyond, discover all that goes into being a bee in this charming picture book, the first in the Meet Your World series.
Crawl, cling climb! You may have seen a raccoon scurry up a tree or across the road just before dark. Did you know that raccoons stay up at night playing, hunting, and eating when you go to sleep? From birth to first stripes and beyond, discover all that goes into being a raccoon in this charming picture book, the second in the Meet Your World series.
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 potential. One scientist spent months training a dog to track dung to better understand elephant birthing patterns. Another discovered that mastodon poop years ago is the reason we enjoy pumpkin pie today. And every week, some folks deliver their own poop to medical facilities, where it is swirled, separated, and shipped off to a hospital to be transplanted into another human. There’s even a train full of human poop sludge that’s stuck without a home in Alabama.
This irreverent and engaging book shows that poop isn’t just waste-and that dealing with it responsibly is our duty.
Here’s what reviewers have said:
⭐ “A well-stirred slurry of facts and fun for strong-stomached “poop sleuths.”” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review) ⭐ “Feces have lots of great stories to tell… .” —BCCB (starred review)
And here are my thoughts:
OK, I have to confess: I had so much fun reading Who Gives a Poop?! Reading this book felt like I was walking through the woods on an exciting adventure with a trusted friend. The author’s voice is unfailingly authentic, and each chapter contains a ton of real science alongside genuine human emotion and just the right amount of humor. I think what I loved most about it, however, is how her passion for science and her reverence for curiosity comes through. She’s not afraid to ask questions, and she takes us along on her research trips to get those questions answered, as well as giving us an up-close view of her hands-on observations.
Even if you think you know all you need (or want) to know about poop, I guarantee you’ll take away loads of fascinating facts as well as many memorable stories about the scientists hunting for them. Readers of Who Gives a Poop? will thoroughly enjoy both the subject matter and the informal approach. One caution: I was peppering my family with random poop facts for days and days after reading this book. You’ve been warned! The footnotes and author’s note are lovely additions, as is the rest of the backmatter. Highly recommended for ages ten and up!
More about the book:
This fun video from the author, sharing the first chapter of Who Gives a Poop?, is not to be missed:
Click here for a fecal photo gallery from the author to go along with Who Gives a Poop?!
