I Will Fight You.

 

Ok. No I won't. but the characters in your picture book should fight ... something. Maybe it is overcoming a struggle (shyness). Or facing down a fear (swimming), there needs to be tension - even if it is VERY subtle. This even applie sto nonfiction PBs, as explained in this awesome article: 

CREATING DRAMATIC TENSION IN NONFICTION PICTURE BOOKS

I LOVE YOU MORE THAN LOBSTERS

I just LOVE it when I get to share good news, especially good book news! My latest picture book, I LOVE YOU MORE THAN LOBSTERS, splashes out from Charlesbridge Publishing in 2026. Thank you so much to my wunder agent Kathleen at the Andrea Brown Literary Agency, Inc. , Eileen Robinson at Charlesbridge, and the incredibly talented Moving Doodles for making this happen.

And yes, my headshot is literally 10 years old. So just imagine it with a smattering of wrinkles.

 

FLORIDA BOOK AWARDS

Jazz hands! Happy dancing! Ear-to-ear grinning! I am thrilled to share the news that my picture book GOODNIGHT SCHOOL won a Florida Book Award. Thank you so much to the selection committee Florida Book Awards, and to the talented team behind this project, including the illustrator Cori Doerrfeld, my agency Andrea Brown Literary Agency, Inc., and my publisher Union Square & Co., now Hachette Book Group

GOODNIGHT SCHOOL is a love-letter to educators so I'm also sending big hugs and high fives to all the teachers, custodians, coaches, librarians, and administrators who keep our schools running both before AND after the bell rings.

 

Broward Library Event

 

Well, that was fun! Thank you to the Broward library for hosting me alongside these amazing authors at "Tell Your story. It's Your Write!". It was a fabulous event and I was honored to be included. 

Teachers Know Their Stuff

 

We Are Teachers said it best when they wrote: "One of the greatest gifts books give us is the opportunity to connect with characters that resonate with us. We form a deep attachment to characters that make us laugh and make us think, and most importantly, teach us valuable life lessons. When it comes to children’s literature, there are just so many amazing children’s book characters to choose from! Narrowing down the list is almost impossible, but we managed to pull together this list of 30 of the most-loved children’s book characters, old and new." 

Take a look at their list (linked below) and ask yourself -  What traits do these characters have in common? And what is *missing* from all of them? Also check out who the main character is in these books - primarily it's a child, but there's a handful of adults, animals and, well, creatures. 

Click the link below for more

30 Inspiring Book Characters Every Child Should Know

GOOD MORNING MAIN STREET

Union Sqaure Kids team for  

We have a cover - and isn't she lovely? Thank you to the talented Fiona Lee and the Union Square Kids team for making this book so beautiful. 

Rise and shine! From the author of Goodnight School, here is a lyrical, lively, and irresistible story about Main Street getting ready for the day!

As the sun rises, a shopkeeper arrives to open his store, and this sleepy little street begins to open its eyes. From lampposts standing up straight, fountains gurgling on, and flowers reaching for the sun, everyone is up and at 'em, looking their best. Well, everyone except the yawning bookstore cat. Can he keep up throughout the day to join the fun?

Bailey's clever wordplay and energetic story pairs perfectly with Lee's vibrant and expressive art, giving a bright and lively start to every morning.

GOOD MORNING MAIN STREET is available now on amazon for pre-order (just sayin'....) 

CLICK TO PURCHASE

Wisdom Tales Press

 

According to their website this publisher produces books for: "Sharing the wisdom and beauty of cultures from around the world."

Wisdom Tales Press