About Me

I grew up in Virginia, on the outskirts of Washington, D.C.  Cherry blossoms along the tidal basin (and in my front yard!), Fourth of July fireworks at the National Mall, and watching planes take off and land at what was then called National Airport, are just a few of my treasured memories of the area. I’ve lived many places up and down the east coast since then but the D.C. area will always hold a special place in my heart.

As a wife, a mom, and a writer, I also love to cook and bake a wide range of foods. Name the region or the country, and I’ll get straight to work.

It’s the same with books. Fiction or non-fiction, I love variety. From a very early age I was a constant presence at my local library. My favorite childhood memory is when, during the summer, every few days I’d bicycle back and forth, my bag heavy with books. A library card is a wonderful thing!

Now I lock myself in my office and create my own characters, surrounded by many of those same books I loved as a girl.

I’ve been a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators since 2004, and was a moderator on SCBWI’s Blueboard from 2010 to 2018. I recommend both to anyone interested in learning more about writing/illustrating for children. Through SCBWI and the Blueboard message board, writers and illustrators will discover a unique “home base” community, potential critique partners/groups, and information about the children’s publishing industry that is difficult to find anywhere else.

I am available for both virtual and in-person events. For all publicity and event inquires, please contact Sara DiSalvo, Holiday House senior publicist. 

For rights inquiries, please contact Ginger Knowlton at Curtis Brown, Ltd.  www.curtisbrown.com