A Very Busy Month!

I hadn’t planned on doing so much in terms of THE KING OF BOOK events since summer events tend to be quieter, but I found myself running all around to bookstores and libraries. It was lovely to visit new stores and old, plus a few libraries. I had at least one child to read to at every event, which was my minimum metric for success. Bonus moments were good friends and family who came out to celebrate, and picking up a LOT of new picture books for myself. And for time hanging out signing books next to the register in the very small but charming Portsmouth Book Nook - I loved all the book chat! Plus the crown craft was a winner - see below for crowns in action!

FYI: I left signed copies of KING at: Water Street Bookstore in Exeter, NH, Gibson’s Bookstore in Concord, NH, Back Cove Books in Portland, Maine, Silver Unicorn Bookstore in Acton, MA, and The Portsmouth Book Nook in Portsmouth, NH.

I am finally enjoying a little break, but am excited about upcoming events this fall. I’ll be part of a group of artists at the Currier Museum in mid-September, selling books and also participating in a draw-off. In October, I head out to Warwick, NY for their children’s book festival. And in early November, I pop up to Portland, Maine for KidsCon New England.

I’ve been working on updating my school visit presentations and doing some outreach to expand my visits for the 2025-2026 year. Please reach out if you’d like me to visit your school. Or library!

Let’s Draw a Dachshund!

For nearly three years, I’ve focused on unique animals and adding some animal facts and/or book recommendations. It feels like time to mix things up. I’m going to focus on different dog breeds for a bit. This is something I’ve wanted to play with in my own work, and hopefully, kids will have fun with these too. I will still add in some facts and book recommendations. I’m starting with the adorable doxies.

A Winner! And a Request…

Congratulations to Danielle H for winning the KING giveaway last month!

If you’ve read KING and enjoyed it, I would greatly appreciate any reviews for Amazon, Goodreads, or Barnes & Noble - wherever you normally review books. These make a big difference to creators! Also, if you are an online reviewer or blogger and would like a copy, please reach out. I’m available for interviews as well!

It’s Not Easy Being Me (on screen)

One thing I struggle with as a children’s book author and illustrator in the year 2025 is making video content, particularly content that includes my face! A few months ago, I finally decided I would force myself to make and share videos to tiktok and instagram. And while there are awkward and cringey moments, I’m having a bit of fun too! My career started in animation, so it’s wild to me just how EASY it is to create fun little pieces to share. I spent far too long this past weekend creating a little video poking fun at my houseplant addiction - but at least I found a way to bring it back to children’s books!

Watching/Reading/Listening To

Watching: The Gilded Age on HBO. Wow. This show went from something that I’d put on to fall asleep (sorry!) to a must-watch Sunday night event. This season has been the best yet and I am sad to see it wrap up (hopefully with less of a cliff-hanger than episode seven!)

Reading: The Bewitching by Silvia Moreno-Garcia The first book of hers that I read was Silver Nitrate, which I highly recommend. I’ve only just started her newest book, out the same day as KING, but I love the setup and depth already. Witches, New England colleges, a story told in equal parts by Mexican grad student and her grandmother as a young women?

Listening to: Kidlit Happy Hour Podcast, episode 37. Their book, THE DAY THE BOOKS DISAPPEARED, which came out the same day as KING. It’s a hard but important conversation between the two authors and illustrator Dan Santat about the state of the industry and book banning.