I'm thrilled to share that GIVE BACK has been chosen for the 2026 Illinois Reads program. Thank you, Illinois Reading Council! I can't wait to join in the program's festivities, which will kick off on December 5th at Anderson's Bookshop in Downers Grove.

For the full list of events, CLICK HERE. Let's celebrate the gift of books and the giving spirit together!

Ready for bear hugs with grizzly growls and S'mores Surprise? It's all waiting for you at Camp Grandma and Grandpa, out today! Click on the book to order now, and watch the trailer HERE. It was made by my book partner, the immensely talented illustrator Chloe Burgett!

From now until Monday, May 12th, you can enter to win a free copy of my latest picture book for children ages 4-8. Join the giveaway HERE, and click on the book below to learn why Camp Grandma and Grandpa is the best camp around!

This past Friday, I had the MOST EXCELLENT time meeting new book friends on Scholastic's Storyvoice, which allows classrooms from far and wide to listen to authors share their books. I shared GIVE BACK and got to hear how students show their giving spirit. We are a caring community!

Hearts to all my new friends, including Mr. Mike and the entire Storyvoice crew!  

GIVE BACK made the covers of October's Scholastic Book Club! YAAYY!! Now is the best time to celebrate the spirit of giving.

Where can you get bear hugs AND banana canoes? Camp Grandma and Grandpa! It's the BEST camp around. Join in the adventures next spring!

Get ready to celebrate the spirit of community with GIVE BACK...set for release in fall 2024 from Scholastic! Here is the official announcement from Publishers Weekly:

Earlier this month was Teacher Appreciation Week, a time to celebrate the A+ efforts of teachers. How did you thank your teachers? Did you write them a poem? Draw a picture? I'm sure your thoughtfulness was appreciated!

Fun fact: my elementary school teacher is one of the reasons why I'm a children's book author. Really! He asked the class to write a story, and even though I loved putting my imagination on paper, I was a little scared about sharing my stories with others. My fear disappeared when he gave my story back, all graded. At the top, he drew a big smiley face and wrote, "100% Excellent!" It gave me the courage to keep writing and sharing, and I'm still so very grateful. 

Thank you, Mr. K! 

The library is a very special place. Where else can you soar on a pterodactyl's back or jump aboard a pirate ship in search of lost treasure? Stories from every corner of the imagination await at the library, and a librarian is ready to help you find them. Click on the video to get to know about our community book helpers.

A special thank you to Mrs. Kim for this wonderful read-aloud!

The night sky is filled with sparkling wonder. I love star-gazing and tracing constellations, even trying to spot planets. (If you see a reddish dot far up in the sky, that's Mars!)

Do you like learning about space? Jump into your rocket and click on the books below to find out exciting facts about the stars, Mars, and our very own Earth!