Recently I had the great pleasure of writing the foreword to Rabbit Room Press's new edition of MacDonald's classic fairy tale.
Read moreA Playful Podcast Episode
I recently had a delightful chat with my friend Jonathan Rogers for his podcast "The Habit."
Read moreBorn to Fly: Mary Poppins, Bruce Springsteen, and the Spell of Immortality
My husband is a crier in movies; I am not. Occasionally something will tug out a tear or two, but it’s rare.
Read moreSmelling Flowers in the Dark
I think we all have memories of finishing a favorite childhood book—of turning the final page and feeling as if we’ve lived a lifetime in the space between those two covers.
Read moreThe Cauldron of Story
What’s in your story soup? J. R. R. Tolkien, in a famous essay on fairy-stories, wrote about “the Pot of Soup, the Cauldron of Story” . . .
Read more10 Rules of Chivalry for Writers
In Henry and the Chalk Dragon, the artistic main character, Henry, has a knightly costume he’s fashioned for himself . . .
Read moreLet the Children Play
In an early chapter of Henry and the Chalk Dragon, La Muncha Elementary School receives a visit from two mysterious people whom Henry hears referred to as “Bored Members” . . .
Read moreMy True Name
I’m going to tell you a secret. This is one of those details of the writing process that feels so intimate I’m almost embarrassed to share it.
Read moreThe Secret of Our Hope Lies in the Imagination of Children
As a children’s book author and a creative writing teacher for kids, I have the honor—and challenge—of spending my days both digging for the submerged sunrise in myself and basking in the blazing sun of others.
Read moreMetaphors, Double Vision, and the Gruesome Pit of Grossness (a writing adventure for your family)
I’ve been in a tempest of lesson planning for summer camps, library workshops, and online classes.
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