Kathy, tell us a story.
I’d love to! Which one? Tell us the story of how you started writing books for children. Once upon a time, long, long ago, when my three children were very young, I loved reading to them and treasured the time together. “These will be some of my most precious memories,” I thought, “reading a book with my child snuggled in my lap.” I had a dream: to write books that would create precious memories for adults and kids. With lots of practice and perseverance, the dream came true. How wonderful! Now tell us how you wrote, Daddy, Tell Me a Story. My husband and I made up stories for our kids, and sometimes they became the characters. Of course, they provided their own input! The moments when a child changed the story line became my new dream: to write a book to encourage adults and kids to use their imaginations when reading a book together. Did you write this book when your kids were little? I did— nearly thirty years ago! It took many years to find an interested publisher. I rewrote the story many times, and finally found just the right home with WorthyKids, who made my new dream come true. It takes a team to create a book, which includes my wonderful agent, editor, publisher, marketers, and illustrator. Ela was the perfect choice! She conveyed the whimsy and joy of the love between Daddy and Sophie. What’s next, now that your story is a book? I’m excited to read the book to children, and adults, too! Which leads me to ask: Would you read the book to a child; share it with your family and friends, libraries, and bookstores; leave a review on the bookstore sites? A book gets lonely sitting on a shelf. Above all, have fun! Read the book with a child and then create your own story together. Tell me your story about sharing my story. I’d love to hear from you! With grateful thanks from Daddy, Sophie, and me. Oh, and the dragon, too.
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My newest book, Daddy, Tell Me a Story, is being released today! It's now available online and in your local bookstore. The book celebrates the special bond between fathers and daughters with this silly picture book about a bedtime story gone awry.
Getting this wonderful book published has been a dream of mine for over 20 years. It has been well worth the wait: the illustrations by Ela Smietanka bring to life the joy (and challenges) of a parent putting their creative and active child to bed. Bedtime is looming, and Sophie wants to hear a story. So she asks her dad—the best storyteller she knows—to tell her one. He's just started telling a story about a queen and a unicorn when—HOLD ON—this is not the story Sophie had envisioned! She interrupts to request a teeny, tiny change. And then she interrupts again, and again, and again, resulting in an entertaining game of storytelling ping pong as Sophie and Daddy work together to create an unforgettable tale. This beautifully illustrated book is a sweet tribute to daughters, their daddies, and the time they share together. But it is not just for dads and daughters, but for all adults and children enjoying the magic of creating their own story. Let me know how you like the book, I'd be happy to hear from you in the comments below! It is 2024 and the new calendar year has begun.
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Traveled to Savannah, GA for the Books & Such Literary Agency Retreat. I got to spend time with my wonderful agent, Rachel Kent, and met her husband and new baby boy, too!
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We visited friends in Atlanta and South Carolina, and found two my books (The View at the Zoo, and Count Your Blessings) in a Publix grocery store in a small town along the road.
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SOPHIE SAYS. . .
Guess who is a character in my mom's new book??
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Ellie was the family dog before I came along. Cat Owens did a great job bringing her to life from Janet Samuel's perfect illustrations! Maybe I'll be in a book one day, too!
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Have you seen the fabulous resources for parents that go along with the book?
I'd love it if you left a review on your favorite book website!
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What would you like to hear about in the next Kathy's Musings?
Leave a comment with your suggestions and ideas!
Leave a comment with your suggestions and ideas!
I'm thrilled my new new "baby" is about to arrive in the world! Even though it has over 50 siblings (my other published books), this one is extra special. From the first inkling of the idea to holding the completed book in my hands took eleven years! It was worth waiting for.
Illustrator Janet Samuel used our beloved dog, Ellie, as a model for the main character's dog. The publishing team came up with the idea when Ellie died during the creation of the book. I will never forget their kindness.
I'll be writing more about the creation of this book, but for now, I simply want to share my joy and invite you to spread the news by pre-ordering the book.
Illustrator Janet Samuel used our beloved dog, Ellie, as a model for the main character's dog. The publishing team came up with the idea when Ellie died during the creation of the book. I will never forget their kindness.
I'll be writing more about the creation of this book, but for now, I simply want to share my joy and invite you to spread the news by pre-ordering the book.
MY AUTHOR COPIES! WHAT A THRILL!
Great reviews from Publishers Weekly and School Library Journal
While I was out, Greg put copies of my book all over the house!
Our sweet Ellie, captured in Janet's beautiful illustrations...
Since the Baby Came: A Sibling's Learning to Love Story in 16 Poems arrives in bookstores May 2, and can be pre-ordered now! This is a perfect gift for Mother's Day, just around the bend. If you pre-order you'll have your copy in time to celebrate! The book isn't just for Mother's Day, however: It can be for Father's Day or any day a family prepares to welcome a new baby into their lives.
Happy Gotcha Day!
ORDER BY APRIL 1 TO RECEIVE BOOKS IN TIME FOR EASTER!
Website sales only
Website sales only
Awards
2013
Distinguished Alumna of Princeton Theological Seminary
2014
David Steele
Distinguished Writer
The most prestigious award given by the Presbyterian Writers Guild
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