School is back in session, and it’s that time again for everyone’s favorite fall report: What I Did on My Summer Vacation. It’s been a wild summer for The Denim Jungle. We’ve traveled. We’ve partied. We’ve made friends. And, oh, how we’ve imagined—and crafted! Here are a few highlights… with more in the works for the … More What I Did on My Summer Vacation
I had so much fun hosting a special story time at my hometown library in Ohio last week. We created imagination telescopes, just like Leo’s in The Denim Jungle. And you can, too—it’s so easy! If you’re looking for a fun (practically free) craft for your kids, school, or library, this one is great for … More Make Your Own Denim Jungle Telescopes
One of the great joys of parenting (for me) is reading books aloud to my kids. It’s fun for us all and good for them, too. I remember long drives to Grandma’s house when I was a kid, my mom reading chapter books from the front passenger seat. Little House, Charlotte’s Web, The Lion, The … More Favorite Read-Aloud Picture Books
I’ve lost count of how many people have told me they want to make their picture book someday. That’s why I created a whole Writing & Publishing tips section on this site (under The Archive, upper right). Let’s make that someday now. One of the sticky points I ran into was digitally laying out my … More How to Lay Out a Picture Book with InDesign
Let’s be honest, parents. We’re the ones reading the picture books. Shouldn’t we be enjoying them, too? My heart does a little flitter-flutter when my kid grab the following books off the shelf. All of them would make great gifts for new parents, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and kids’ birthdays, too. Long live the heartwarming picture … More 12 Heartwarming Picture Books for Kids and Parents
Who wants to join me in a happy dance? I just discovered The Denim Jungle has its first blog review. At which point I pretty much did this… From Loralee Leavitt of CandyExperiements.com: “A new picture book invites parents everywhere to get down to kid level and look at the world their children see. In The … More Happy Dance Time
This week begins my Denim Jungle Tour! I’m so excited to come down to the height of my favorite fans—the kids—and see The Denim Jungle freshly from their point of view. Look for me (and Leo) at these book stores, schools, and events… with more coming soon! Thursday, April 7, 10:00am: Interlake Preschool, Seattle, WA … More Denim Jungle “Tour”
Oh, how I love encountering quotes scribbled on coffee shop walls. Call it coincidence, fate, morphic resonance, or pure egotistical naiveté, but they always seem to be speaking directly to me. Case in point, this quote:
For those of you who weren’t able to make it to The Denim Jungle book launch party in Seattle, I wanted to bring the party to you. So… welcome, friends, to my virtual book party! Come on in. I have all kinds of fun in store for you today. Enjoy your own personal author reading. Exercise your imaginations … More Virtual Book Launch Party
Hey, Seattle friends. Up for a little adventure? Bring your imaginations this Saturday, 2/13, 12-2pm, to Ballard Homestead, 6541 Jones Ave NW, for a free community party to officially launch The Denim Jungle! We’ll have lots of fun book-themed crafts, giveaways, and an author story time at 1pm, followed by a short talk about the making … More Party This Saturday, 2/13/16
My Castle Heart Publications 