Stories That Shape Hearts and Build Foundations I’ve always believed that stories are more than words on a page, they are seeds planted in the hearts of young readers. Those seeds grow into compassion, curiosity, and courage. Children’s books have the power to shape how a child sees themselves, the people around them, and the… Continue reading Why I Write for Kids
Tag: Less screen time for children
Writing Struggles… My Juggling Act
For as long as I can remember, I've been torn between my passion for teaching and my deep desire to be present with my children. While I cherished every moment of my teaching career, the pull of motherhood was always stronger, and being away from my kids was the hardest part. Every mom faces the… Continue reading Writing Struggles… My Juggling Act
Fresh Starts New Beginnings
January 2025 ✨ Ah, the new year—time for fresh starts, big dreams, and shiny new goals! Every January, I find myself bursting with ideas about how I want to live not just this year, but the rest of my life. It's a mix of excitement and hope that feels like the perfect moment to turn… Continue reading Fresh Starts New Beginnings
Oudewater Weigh House ~ Something Wicked This Way Comes
With Halloween almost upon us and magic in the air, My friend Ruxi and I visited a weigh house in the Netherlands and thought I would share. We traveled to Oudewater on a bright sunny day, But what lay before us, neither could say. Canals, leaning trees, we followed the winding path Driving back through… Continue reading Oudewater Weigh House ~ Something Wicked This Way Comes
Preschool Readiness
When is my child ready for Preschool? As a mother, teacher and now writer, I thought I’d share some personal advice for new mommies and daddies entering the world of school. It’s a big world out there and at times it may seem a tad overwhelming especially with the helicopter moms or coach dads out… Continue reading Preschool Readiness
A Child’s Garden
Before I became an author, I was lucky enough to teach kindergarten to children when kindergarten was truly kindergarten. The word kindergarten means… a child’s garden. Kindergarten is supposed to be a place where children learn by playing, singing, experimenting with art, textiles, sewing, tools, sand, rocks, water and above all, literature. Today’s kindergarten in… Continue reading A Child’s Garden
Thanks! It Has Pockets!
I have a newfound obsession with pockets. When I go out into the woods to walk in Michigan, I always make sure I wear a sweatshirt with pockets, or I take along a bag with pockets. I love picking up rocks, pinecones, colored leaves or fallen flowers. I also carry my phone…. Not to talk… Continue reading Thanks! It Has Pockets!
Live in the Moment
Hello friends, This has been a big week around the publishing house. This past week I met with my new illustrator, Karen Karnuta. Two creative minds working together to create a cherished book for children. Our meeting took place in the historic downtown of McKinney, Texas. We met at a magnificent coffee shop called Filtered.… Continue reading Live in the Moment
Go Home…. Reading
What book makes you feel like you’re home? For me, Anne of Green Gables. It reminds me of growing up in a slower time. Playing outside in the woods, splashing in creeks, swimming in the lake, dirt roads, friends with bright imaginations. I wish the world would slow down so children could have that beautiful… Continue reading Go Home…. Reading
If You Want Your Children to be Intelligent…
What was your favorite fairy tale as a child? One of my favorites was Hansel and Gretel. I thought it was so delightful to have a house made out of gingerbread and candy. But the witch that lived there and the scary route the kids took to get there truly terrified me. Fairy tales, teaching… Continue reading If You Want Your Children to be Intelligent…
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