(Thank you to An Open Book Foundation for inviting me to speak to these amazing DCPS students!)

As the school year draws to a close and I reflect on the first six months of my debut book experience, I can say with absolute certainty that the best part of writing for children is the opportunity to connect with kids about books! I live for the days I’m blessed to read to kids, discuss writing, books, and making mistakes, and answer their insightful and sometimes hilarious questions. Among my favorites are: “How old are you?” “Why does the blobfish look like jelly?” And, “how did you know to believe in yourself?” (That one yanks my heart!)

If authors weren’t invited to read and present to kids in school visits (in person and Skype) and story times, I probably wouldn’t write for publication. It’s true! I’d definitely still write, of course. But I wouldn’t write for publication if I weren’t able to experience the kids’ experience of reading the book. One of life’s greatest joys is watching kids read, enjoy, laugh, think, feel, and wonder about a book I’ve written especially for them. And more importantly, the ability to help kids understand and experience reading and writing on a deeper level is the most significant work I do.

I can’t wait to schedule more school visits for the 2018-19 school year! For more information, or to schedule a visit, give me a shout!