Advent Artist Market
6 December, Alfter-Oedekoven (near Bonn) Germany On St. Nikolaustag (St. Nicholas’ Day, December 6th), bring the whole family to a charming craft fair just outside Bonn, Germany–local artists, tasty local bratwurst, coffee & cake–what’s not to like? Bonus: Got readers ages 9 to 12? I’m bringing my zany fairy tales, perfect for expat families! Here […]
Easter Craft Fair with Local Artists
22 March 2026 Easter Market, Alfter-Oedekoven (near Bonn) Germany Next Sunday, bring the whole family to a charming craft fair just outside Bonn, Germany–local artists, tasty local bratwurst, coffee & cake–what’s not to like? Bonus: Got readers ages 9 to 12? I’m bringing my zany fairy tales, perfect for expat families! Here are the details: […]
It’s a Pilgrim Life
You can’t be a pro the first time you try something new. That’s a repeated theme in my middle grade books, but I’m still learning it! In September, I tried to hike on a famous pilgrimage route–Via Francigena. I thought it was going to work, because I got an excessively-detailed guidebook from the library, set low expectations for how far we could walk, made hotel and train reservations, and kind of expected the weather to cooperate. Because it was Italy. Read about my #PilgrimFail.
Kickstarter
Ready for a Reading Adventure? Follow project on Kickstarter! Here’s a glimpse of Books 1 + 2! Book 3 is in the works! Table of Contents An Exciting New Project For Young Readers We’re working on an exciting new project (on Kickstarter–more about that in a moment)! Shiny 2nd editions are under construction! We’re looking […]
Where can you find English books for kids in Germany?
I love living in Germany and sometimes I really need to find a book in English. I’ve decided to make a list of my favorite bookstores that offer English language books, especially those that offer English language books for ages 9 to 12. We all know that voracious readers need books, whether they’re at home […]
Do you know kids who get lost all the time?
My brother was (and is!) excellent at finding his way around. Like Nero, I had to work at learning how to find my way. My big brother became a navigator in the Navy, so you can imagine how well he finds his way around. I love exploring with him! Unfortunately, he doesn’t live nearby and […]
Do you have kids who are smart and creative and nobody notices?
Shy or quiet kids can get easily overlooked if they don’t learn public speaking skills. #nobodyhearsyou If this topic comes up in your house or class, you might enjoy a zany fairy tale adventure about what can go wrong . . . and right. . . when a quiet inventor princess learns to speak up! For ages 9 to 12, but the whole family can enjoy it.
Washerwomen Day, Rose Monday, and Carnival (Karneval)
Rose Monday is the crown of Germany’s Karneval in the Rhineland. In the last days before Lent, people of all ages stroll the city in gorgeous costumes. Sometimes I also run into young men dressed in convenient cow costumes with a single zipper up the front. Learn more about this colorful holiday and how you can enjoy it with your family in the Seven Kingdoms.
Connect with the kids with REACH 💙📚
Perfect for long-distance relationships with kids! After I learned about Donna Boock’s amazing REACH discussion guides, I reached out 🙂 to her for an interview. She has a great mission: connecting readers and strengthening long-distance relationships. Don’t miss her special gifts to you at the bottom of this post! The audiobook giveaway is now over, but […]
The Day a Hot Air Balloon Landed Behind Our Balcony
When it roars outside on our balcony and flames shoot into the air, it’s not a dragon It’s a hot air balloon. The one we saw tonight was very low and we wondered if it would clear the trees, or the playground. Another friend came up the hill from the concrete cathedral, because she thought […]
Get the illustrations for Trouble at the Valentine Factory audiobook
Trouble at the Valentine Factory Will this Valentine’s Day be the sweetest day of the year? Or the rudest? The eleven-year-old royal Saffron twins—Princess Saffy and Prince Magellan–have to save the Seven Kingdoms from the Blackfly Queen’s dangerous new magical candies!
 See Magellan’s score cards and maps while you listen . . . You can […]
What’s the buzz about Valentine’s Day?
The sign over this archway says: Bee Market Gate This secret passageway leads to the Bee Market Gate in the medieval city of Michelstadt in Germany. Why are bees such a big deal in this city? Why are bees such a big deal in Michelstadt? Hooray for the bee! This sign says: “In memory of […]