 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! 
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It is 2024 and the new calendar year has begun.
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Rocket is a cute little puppy with lots of energy! He just joined our web designer, Lisa Scott Jones' family! We are looking forward to lots of play dates! I am so happy to have a new friend. Speaking of friends. . .
Did you know...The United Nations declared July 30 as International Day of Friendship in 2011 as a way to promote peace and promise rather than division and destruction between peoples of all cultures. Friendship between peoples, countries, cultures and individuals can inspire peace efforts and build bridges between communities. July 30 is the official day, but every day can be a Day of Friendship. Will You Be Friends with Me? would make a perfect gift or read-aloud on the 30th.
A few of my favorite Bible verses on friendship:
A sweet friendship refreshes the soul. (Proverbs 27:9, MSG)
I have called you friends. (John 15:15, NRSVU)
Therefore, encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing. (I Thessalonians 5:11, NRSVU)
Did you know...The United Nations declared July 30 as International Day of Friendship in 2011 as a way to promote peace and promise rather than division and destruction between peoples of all cultures. Friendship between peoples, countries, cultures and individuals can inspire peace efforts and build bridges between communities. July 30 is the official day, but every day can be a Day of Friendship. Will You Be Friends with Me? would make a perfect gift or read-aloud on the 30th.
A few of my favorite Bible verses on friendship:
A sweet friendship refreshes the soul. (Proverbs 27:9, MSG)
I have called you friends. (John 15:15, NRSVU)
Therefore, encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing. (I Thessalonians 5:11, NRSVU)
This September: A Raffle For a Marvelous Gift Bag!
One lucky winner will receive a copy of Since the Baby Came as well as a copy of Arianne Braithwaite Lehn's book of beautiful devotions, Ash and Starlight. Also included are a few special treats for a baby and mom. The raffle will. only be open to subscribers of my newsletter, so encourage your friends to sign up! You'll get a raffle point for every friend who becomes a new subscriber, so let me know when your friends sign up so I can save your points!.
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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?
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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
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While I was out, Greg put copies of my book all over the house!
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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!
 |  HAPPY GOTCHA DAY! March 26, 2003 Happy Gotcha Day to our precious Sophie Grace! We've had her for one year now, which is hard to believe. You can see how much she's grown in a year, although she still curls up in her original bed. She's gone from 6 lbs. to 21 and is full of joy and zest for life. We can't imagine life without her! |
ORDER BY APRIL 1 TO RECEIVE BOOKS IN TIME FOR EASTER!
Website sales only
Website sales only
Hi, everyone! It's me, Sophie Grace, answering that question for my Mom. She and Dad started January with COVID, then rebound COVID, and they isolated together (with me!) for several weeks. Then, I turned ONE YEAR OLD on January 29. That was a fast year! I am (in Mom's words) a lovable, cuddly, clown with my own mind! And my mind says, "Play with me! Throw the ball! Snuggle with me!" I love my family so very much and I know they feel the same way. We are all very lucky, aren't we?
Thanks, Sophie! I'll take over now. Once healthy, I flew to Alexandria, Virginia, to spend a week with my beloved Uncle David who is almost 92 years old. He's the youngest of my mom's 11 siblings and the only one still living. His short-term memory is gone but his long-term is still excellent. I loved listening to him tell stories about his life, and about my mom. I brought lots of old photos to share with him, and that led to more stories. What a treasure to have this time with him. After a wonderful week, it was great to return home to Greg and Sophie (photo taken around midnight after a long day of travel, can you tell how happy I am?).
Here's My BIG news:
My new book, will be released May 2 and I can hardly wait! It tells the story of a child adjusting to a new baby in the family, with all the roller-coaster of emotions. I wrote it using 16 different poem forms, which was difficult but immense fun; and my hope is that this will invite children into the world of poetry in its many facets. Click here for a sneak peek!
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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