The 4 Pillars of Play

When I worked at Cranium, I learned a lot about Dr. Howard Gardner’s multiple intelligence theory. It stressed that there are multiple ways to be “smart,” beyond standardized tests for verbal-linguistic and logical-mathematic skills. Gardner demonstrated that humans actually have eight intelligences:

Soul Food

Sometimes you just need a little soul food, a breadcrumb from the universe, a taste of that dream ever waiting beyond the bend. Sunday I enjoyed some much-needed soul food at the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators conference—along with these tasty morsels of encouragement. May they help feed your dream, too.

National Poetry Month

Love poetry? Hate it? Don’t get it? Now’s the perfect time to give it fresh look. It’s National Poetry Month! Here are a few quick ideas for anyone: readers, teachers, parents, kids, writers, and even the “I’m not really a writer” word dabblers (you know who you are). Read Want to join my “poetry club”? … More National Poetry Month

Letter to a New Mom

I recently wrote this to a friend, a new mom having a tough day. If any of you moms (or dads) find yourself in this situation, I’m writing to you now. Letter to a New Mom You’re going through an overwhelmingly incredible moment in your life right now. I don’t need to tell you about all the … More Letter to a New Mom

Turn Around

Turn Around: A Love Story I got the call from Ryan on a Wednesday evening. “You’re going to have to pick up Szaba. I’m stuck in traffic.” The daycare was closing in 20 minutes. We share one car, and I was working miles away. I had to hop a bus and hope. Cue panic mode.

Delayed Gratification

Does your Christmas morning devolve into a flurry of wrapping paper with gifts tossed into a heap? Do you leave family gatherings with no idea of who gave anyone what? I have a theory: We open gifts too fast to enjoy them! In our race to get each other more more MORE, we appreciate everything less less … More Delayed Gratification