As a lifetime lover of books and a children's book author, I can attest to the fact that I am a huge advocate for getting children to pick up books instead of iPhones. Whether it's a book about a wizard, a kid navigating the schoolyard, or a giant red crocodile...
The temperatures are climbing and the beach is calling...summer vacation has arrived! Chances are, your kids will soon have an entire month or two away from school and are counting on having some fun in its place. But how do you keep them excited and having a fun-filled time for...
June has arrived! And as a parent, you know what that means...no more school. What better way to entertain your kids all summer long than with some fun beach reads they won't get tired of? Here are some of the best books to fill your summer 2018 with! To the...
Have you noticed that these days, almost every movie that comes to theaters started off as a successful book? Some of the most beloved movies of all time even started as books, from Gone with the Wind to the Harry Potter series. In 2018, these book-to-movie adaptations have been dominating...
When a child finds a book that they love, he can become a reader for life. But what makes a good children’s book? What qualities should it possess to make a child hold onto its memory and message? If you’re an aspiring author or simply someone who loves kid lit,...
No matter how perfect your child is, I've never met a single person who didn't say parenting came with its own set of challenges. Toddlers throwing temper tantrums, teenagers staying out until all hours of the morning, newborn babies who refuse to sleep through the night—being a parent is sometimes...
As parents, one of the most fulfilling parts of our lives are getting to watch our children flourish doing the things they love. But what if your child doesn't know what he or she loves? What if he or she is feeling unmotivated, or discouraged because they don't know what...
It’s the common belief that children’s books are meant for…well…children. And while they often are filled with valuable lessons for children to learn, such as accepting one another’s differences and using your manners, there are some books filled with lessons for parents as well. (more…)
It's officially the first week of April! And even though many parts of the world are still covered in snow, it's never too early to get a head start on your spring cleaning. As someone who hoards the things I love, my bookshelf is always in need of a restart...
Spring is officially upon us, and that means Easter is just around the corner! Whether you are looking for a book to teach your child what Easter is about, or just want a fun story filled with rabbits and Easter eggs, here are a few books you won't want to...
Have you ever wondered how the Night Buddies series came to be? Why the main character is a red crocodile, or how I came up with the idea to write them as children's books? Good news! I'm back with another YouTube video this week explaining how John, Crosley, and the...
Time and again, the most famous books of all time touch on themes like family and what it means to be a parent. Today, I've compiled a list of my favorite quotes on parenting by authors you'll know and love! (more…)
I'm back with the second part of my YouTube Q&A series! This week I'm answering questions for fellow writers, giving readers an idea of where the Night Buddies books are set, and more. (more…)
Readers of this blog may know that I am an advocate for children using and expanding their imaginations, not only through reading, but through writing! Whether your child struggles with language arts or is reading four levels above his or her grade level, providing kids with a creative outlet such...
Hi folks! This week, I wanted to share with you the first video in my NEW YouTube video series! In today's video, I answer some of the questions I'm asked most frequently, from how I came up with the Night Buddies book titles to the hardest part about writing my...
Is your Valentine someone who prefers books to television? Someone you have to pull away from the reading nook on your couch to take out to dinner? Give them a card this year that shows you really know them (and get a bonus if your Valentine's Day gift includes a...