Q: Any other books in the works?

I have a new picture book out this summer called How to Make Friends With a Giant, illustrated by Amy Walrod. Next year I have two more picture books on the schedule: Louder, Lili, illustrated by S.D. Schindler and Putting the Monkeys to Bed, illustrated by Tom Pohrt.

Q: Do you do a lot of speaking?

Yes, I’ve done a lot of speaking at schools, libraries, and conferences. Speaking is a different part of the author equation. Some might say it is the opposite of writing, but I believe there are some important similarities. A good speaker needs to reach deep down inside herself for the courage to speak from her heart. A good speaker has to be extremely generous and tell her own truth. She has to both entertain her audience and leave each person with a tiny piece of herself. When I read an amazing book, I know that the author has given me a part of her soul. A really terrific speaker does the same thing but in a very different way.