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A PLATE OF HOPE - RANDOM HOUSE STUDIO

Illustrated by Paola Escobar

A National Council of Teachers of English Recommended Book

A Texas Bluebonnet Award Nominee

★ Kirkus Starred Review

2024 NYPL Best Books List Spanish Edition: Un Plato de Esperanza

★ "Lush illustrations and a captivating narrative make this biography shine." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“Focusing on scenes of people and food, Escobar’s luscious digital images add visual savor via colorful spirals of enticing aromas.” —Publishers Weekly

I wanted to write about the man…

who believes that food is more than just food 

who believes that he is only as good as the people who surround him

only as good as the last meal served

who believes that we must use our voices to stand up for others

who sees challenges as opportunities

longer tables - not higher walls

I wanted to write about the man…

who believes that no one belongs to one place

and no one should go to bed hungry

who believes that without empathy, nothing works 

feelings are strength

who believes that anything is possible when we work together

I wanted to write about the man who has given hope to so many

I hope you will be inspired too and dream of possibilities…  

REMEMBERING BARKLEY - Albert Whitman & company

Illustrated by Aboo Yang

"A useful book for children processing grief."―Kirkus Reviews

Many years ago, my family journeyed through grief with our old dog, Bear, as we experienced the loss of our other dog, Pumpkin - Bear’s faithful companion. There was an undeniable beauty and sense of comfort that togetherness in nature provided during this time of grief. My children grew in compassion and empathy as they experienced not only their own sadness but Bear’s as well.

I wrote the original manuscript for Remembering Barkley as a way to healing and tucked it away in a drawer. It remained there until just a few years ago when a sad event made me go searching for it. I thought the story might bring comfort to our next-door neighbors after their dog died in a house fire. Once again, working on Remembering Barkley, helped with our grief. I thought about how this book might have helped my own daughters when they were grieving the loss of our dog. There could be no greater gift as a writer than to think that my words might bring comfort.

THE WEIRD! SERIES - Free Spirit Publishing

Illustrated by Paula Heaphy

“…this should find a home in every school library.” —Kirkus Reviews

“The Weird series is a delightful three-part story that explores the roles of the bully, the bullied, and the bystander and how children can break out of those roles and be their unique, caring selves.” —Barbara Coloroso, author of The Bully, the Bullied, and the Bystander

Weird! Dare! and Tough! tell the story of an ongoing case of bullying from three third graders’ perspectives. A combination of experiences with bullying inspired me to write the books, and it has been a joy to see how far-reaching the stories have become. The books have now been translated in eight languages and inspired the amazing production of Weird! The Musical. It all started with an idea and a desire to make the world a kinder place. My lifetime friend - illustrator Paula Heaphy - shared this desire and together with the help of a wonderful creative team, the series was born. Paula’s mastery of facial expression and attention to detail brought the stories to life! Find out more at The Weird Series.