Confidence is one of the most important skills a child can develop—and it plays a huge role in learning to read. For children ages 4–8, confidence often determines whether reading feels exciting or overwhelming. That’s where picture books come in. Picture books aren’t just tools for learning letters and sounds. They help children see themselves … Read more
I am celebrating Little Free Library Week by sharing my books. Copies of Gertie Saves the Day and Two Wins for Wiley were added to my local Little Free Library. I sign each copy and add a note. Sometimes, I get an email from a child who has just read my book. It is a … Read more
Drop Everything And Read Day is a special reading celebration day that was designed to encourage families to make reading together each day a family priority and habit. Families are encouraged to read and enjoy books together for at least 30 minutes. April 12 is also the birthday of the children’s author Beverly Cleary. She received many letters from students who enjoyed D.E.A.R. time at their school. … Read more
Are you celebrating Jolabokaflod this year? Jolabokaflod, also known as the “Christmas Book Flood, ” is a unique tradition in Iceland that is celebrated on Christmas Eve. This tradition began during World War II, an era marked by economic constraints and strict currency restrictions across Europe. In Iceland, these conditions and the relative leniency on paper … Read more
Books make the best gifts for children and books bring us together. Think back to when you were a child. What are some of your memories of gifts you received? I think we are all likely to remember the big gifts, such as your first bike, special doll, or game. You are also likely to … Read more
Children’s Book Week is an annual celebration of children’s books and reading. Since 1919, it is the longest-running national literacy initiative in the country. Every year, young people across the country participate by attending events at schools, libraries, bookstores, celebrating at home and engaging with authors online and in person. The 2024 Children’s Book Week … Read more
This was a new idea for me. A bookcation? It seems simple enough. A vacation in which all you do is read books. The beauty of a bookcation is you can make it whatever you want. You can read whatever you want, for as long as you want and you can read any where you … Read more
Summer, for me, is a quiet time with fewer book signing events, but not this year. I have three opportunities to share my books with children. There is only one thing that can make or break the event – engaging children during story time. If you are like me, you want to ensure that story … Read more
Not everyone feels the same as I do about ebooks for children. I believe that ebooks provide some advantages that paper copies may not. When my first book, Gertie Saves the Day, was being released I had mixed feelings about releasing it as an ebook. Naturally, I wanted everyone to have a paper copy of … Read more
Where have you been caught? Caught reading that is! May is national Get Caught Reading Month. This annual celebration promotes the joy of reading. A consistent reading habit has many benefits such as: improving vocabulary, reduces stress, develop empathy, and boost knowledge and brainpower. For children, reading can help improve their language skills, increase their … Read more
