“Words are, in my not so humble opinion,

our most inexhaustible source of magic."

~ Albus Dumbledore

Beth Ferry reads and writes by the beach in New Jersey. She is the author of many picture books illustrated by many amazing artists, including Stick and Stone, Ten Rules of the Birthday Wish...

Did you ever pretend, by yourself or with siblings or friends, that you (or they) were the dog, cat, horse, or other pet you desperately wanted? I can remember my siblings and I having many exciting afternoons pretending to gallop around, as if on horses, or "train" each other to do an ob...

Wow! It's amazing to think that I just started blogging in September of 2016. It has been both an honor and great fun getting to know so many authors and illustrators. And a pleasure helping spread the news about some amazing books.

But let's get to why you're really here - Mike Boldt...

It is amazing how much a simple action - like a smile, holding a door for someone, or letting them go ahead of you in the grocery line (especially when they have fewer items than you) - can change someone's day. Every day, we have the opportunity to make a difference in another person's l...

It's that time of year again. Mummies, skeletons, princesses, unicorns, pirates, goblins, and an IRS man (seriously folks, I had a kid dress as this a few years back - saying "I'm your worst nightmare!" Boy was she was right!) running loose through the town. All stocking up on candy and p...

If you're looking for a great way to freak out your parents,

tell them you're going to be a street musician when you grow up.

~Deborah Underwood

Born in Walla Walla, Washington, Deborah Underwood dreamed of being an astronomer. (even named her stuffed bear Ursa Major), a singer, or a writer....

Think back to your childhood. What story or movie gave you nightmares?

For me it was Bambi, and specifically the mother's death in a fire.

Sometimes adults don't realize the monsters that a child's relaxed brains can conjure from stories or movies once they go to sleep. I'd be willing...

What is the creative process and how does it work?

This is a question that intrigues me.

~ Lisa Robinson 

Lisa Robinson was born in Kampala, Uganda. Her parents were Peace Corps volunteers who later became world-traveling diplomats, "so books became my best friends."

Now, Lisa is a psych...

Did anyone really enjoy those dreaded "team projects"? Especially, the ones where the teacher picked the members, supposedly to play to each of your strengths. Where inevitably one or more didn't do their portion and someone else (read "you/me") had to pick up the slack.

Sometimes though,...

I’m a big kid myself:

I love to laugh and to learn new things.

My goal is to never completely grow up. 

~Leanne Shirtliffe

Leanne Shirtliffe grew up on a large grain farm 20 miles west of Winnipeg, Manitoba; the youngest of three kids. After college, she left Canada and worked in Asia for ei...