Author Copies!

 

Learning Life Skills with Mythical Creatures series was a joy to work on! Jump! Inc. and my editor were amazing. They brought this series to the next level! The illustrator did a fabulous job bringing these characters to life with such vibrant colors. What a surprise when I first saw them online. I saw the griffin cover and literally thought someone stole my idea! Hahaha It was this series, but I hadn't seen the illustrations yet! I jumped on Amazon and bought some paperbacks right away, and then got on the publishing website and purchased some hardcovers. There's no feeling like receiving you author copies. Thanks to Jump! Inc. and my editor and the illustrator and the whole team who brought these into the world!

Gather Grateful by Megan Litwin

 

Bookcover from Goodreads

Lyrical prose and luminous illustrations welcome the arrival of fall in a season of community and thanksgiving.

Gather twigs and sticks to nest.
Gather safety, strength, and rest.
Gather up and fly away.
Gather close. Prepare to stay.  
                        *Taken from Goodreads

This is a beautiful fall book. I love that it never actually uses the word Thanksgiving. Starting with the animals gathering to get ready for winter, all the way to people gathering to share a meal (Thanksgiving looking feast). I also love that it includes "gathering apart". With the use of technology, children see a way to gather with family who may be far away.

National Fishing Day - June 18

Skye has such a sweet can-do spirit and her persistence pays off! As Skye tugs on her fishing line, you'll notice she also tugs at your heartstrings. This nostalgic story by Candace Spizzirri is sure to be a good catch for your home or library! 

Bookcover from Amazon

Or travel deep into the world of whales with a diver and meet a whale family. This is next on my reading list. It looks amazing, and I've heard so many good things about this one by Michelle Cusolito.

Bookcover from Goodreads

National Plant a Flower Day - March 12

Flowering gardens are beautiful! They're also fun to grow! Why not pick up a shovel and a few flowers and plant a flowering plant today? Maybe pick one that will come back next year.

This early reader teachers about choosing the right flowers to grow. It is full of colorful photos and writting by Libby Wilson.

Boodcover from Goodreads

This lyrical book shares the secrets of the underground parts of the garden. Journey through the year and see what happens above the ground and below the dirt. This is part of Over and Under series by Kate Messner.

Bookcover from Goodreads

Eeeek!

 

I have a secret something. It's a writerly secret something. And I'm thrilled to work on this project!!

Word Nerd Day - January 9

I have to say, I LOVE fun words! When I read a book, I like to pick out a cool new favorite word. Notice I say "new" favorite word, because it changes regularly, weekly...daily...actually it's with each book I read. When I saw Tara Lazar's book, I bought it right away! It has inspired me to actually keep my own fun word list. It's like a treasure hunt while I'm reading.

Bookcover from Goodreads

Here's what Goodreads had to say about it!

Why use boring old words when you can expand and build your vocabulary―and have fun doing it! A user-friendly, engaging book about the power of words―perfect for educators, parents, and future word nerds. Build confidence and become a stronger reader, writer, and communicator! This fun and hilarious vocabulary Kids with strong vocabularies are better readers, better writers, and even feel more confident tackling math and science. When a kid wants to learn a new word, we often send them to the dictionary or a thesaurus. But dictionaries only work if you know exactly the word you want. This dictionary-thesaurus hybrid is organized by theme and puts words in context with fun, engaging and hilarious sentences, pictures, and fun facts. You'll learn what words mean and then actually use them!

This bolded part is what I love most. It's a book full of my favorite things!
 

Twinkle, Twinkle, Winter Night

 

Bookcover from Goodreads

A twist on the classic Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star, we see all the beauty of lights from different nighttime sources. A delight to both the eyes and ears. Snuggle up with a cup of hot cocoa on a cold winter night and delight in the beautiful illustrations by Nneka Myers and the magical words by Megan Litwin.

A Sweet Diwali

 

Bookcover from Goodreads

A sweet little girl and her dog named Lion are sure to encourage a young reader to open this story again and again. With a sparkly lights, fun food and fireworks, Lion gets into a little trouble, but Raina is right there. Read along as Raina and her family celebrate the festival of lights. The adorable illustrations by Geeta Ladi and the playful words by Harshita Jareth come together in a colorful celebration!