My Books
Although I do other types of writing, my primary focus is children’s picture books. I’ve had three books published, with two more on the way. My books are available at most major bookstores nationwide, as well as online through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other booksellers.
Current Titles
I Don’t Want to Talk About It
A story about divorce for young children
(Magination Press)
“Best Children’s Resource” award, Today’s Librarian
About the book: When a child's parents tell her they have decided to divorce, the last thing she wants to do is talk about it. Instead, she wants to roar as loud as a lion so she can't hear their painful words, or turn into a fish and hide her tears in the sea, or even become a bird and fly away. But with her mother and father's help, she starts to consider what life will be like after divorce and learns that although some things will change, many other things will remain the same. Most importantly, she realizes that although her parents may not agree about much, one thing they do agree on is that they both love her very much and will always be her mom and dad. The book concludes with a comprehensive after-word that describes children’s common reactions to divorce and offers parents suggestions for helping their own child adjust.
Buy "I Don't Want to Talk About It" from Amazon.com
Grandma U
(Peachtree Publishers)
“Best Read-Aloud Book for Adults” award, Storytelling World.
About the book: Molly McCool is a hip, fit, convertible-driving grandma-to-be who worries that she doesn't know how to be a grandma. She's forgotten her nursery rhymes, can't bake an edible cookie to save her life, and she never did like rocking chairs. Molly decides to enroll in Grandma University to brush up on her skills. Classes cover useful subjects such as "Bottoms Up" (an introduction to modern diapers), "Gah-Gahs, Goo-Goos, & Giggles" (baby talk for beginners), and "Rock 'n' Read" (reading the same picture book over (and over and over!) again. Molly is quick to learn but is still plagued by doubts: Will good intentions and trips to the zoo be enough? And how about those cookies? But Molly’s fears disappear with the first touch of her newborn grandchild and the surprising realization that she had what it takes to be a grandmother all along. A story about believing in yourself for young readers ages 4-8, Grandma U is also ideal for school Grandparents’ Day, intergenerational sharing, and gift-giving.
Buy "Grandma U" from Amazon.com
Don’t Squeal Unless It’s a Big Deal:
A Tale of Tattletales
(Magination Press)
iParenting Media Award Winner
About the book: Although most kids' problems are kid-sized ones that they can work out themselves, tattling is a fact of life for young children. Their ability to solve problems on their own is just developing, and they often feel they can't manage a situation without help from an adult. As every teacher and parent knows, kids also tattle on their classmates and siblings because they want to look like the "good child," or be appreciated as helpful, or even just get some attention. And of course, kids sometimes tattle as a means of getting back at another child, especially a bigger brother or sister. Don't Squeal Unless It's a Big Deal helps kids learn when telling is appropriate and when it is merely squealing. Designed for preschoolers to young grade-schoolers, teachers, school counselors, and parents, the book includes a comprehensive after-word.
Buy "Don't Squeal Unless It's a Big Deal: A Tale of Tattletales" from Amazon.com
What Do Parents Do?
(When You’re Not Home)
(Peachtree Publishers)
When a boy and his younger sister leave to spend the night at Grandma’s, the boy wonders what his parents could possibly find to do at home without their kids around. Won’t Mom and Dad be bored? Then a thought occurs to him. Maybe his parents will spend their time misbehaving – doing all the things parents tell their kids not to do ---- from jumping on the bed (with their shoes on) to sitting too close to the TV (maybe that’s why his parents wear glasses). But when the boy and his sister come home, it seems that they didn’t miss out on anything exciting. (Or did they?)
Buy "What Do Parents Do? (When You're Not Home") from Amazon.com
Coming Soon…
What Really Happened to Humpty
(Charlesbridge) Publication Date: Spring 2009
Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall. Humpty Dumpty had a great fall. Humpty Dumpty was pushed. At least that’s what Joe Dumpty thinks. He’s a private detective determined to find out what really happened to his brother, even though Police Chief Mother Goose doesn’t take Joe seriously – or believe that Humpty’s fall was anything more than an accident. What Really Happened to Humpty is a hard-boiled mystery with all the elements (and the clichés) of the classic detective story, along with as many egg puns as possible.
