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.
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.
“I Want To Be Strong”
A castle in the middle of the current is strong This castle in the middle of the Rhine is the inspiration for the Blackfly Kingdom in the Seven Kingdoms. It’s doing its best to be strong! Pfalzgrafenstein castle, Germany. And so are you . . .
Ice Cream Sundaes Rule in a New Audiobook for Kids! 💙📚
Find out more! Could Ice Cream Sundaes Help? In Rule Trouble: The Case of the Illegal Dragon, Vlad scoops a LOT of ice cream while trying to find a solution for this tricky case! His fairy godparent drives a flying ice cream truck and Vlad learns to make everything on the magical menu. Get the […]
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 […]
Please Welcome These Giants Into Your Library
Giant Trouble: The Mystery of the Magic Beans is a hilarious romp for ages 9 to 12. It’s also a story about not feeling welcome. So many people are experiencing loss of their homes and their peace. It hurts. But loss and sorrow don’t win the Battle of the Beanstalk! Eleven-year-old William of Marigold’s ingenious […]
How to Get These Wonderful Kids Books At Your Library
How to use the Libby app to checkout books from your local library. To get you started, I’ve included a PDF with favorite books for ages 9 to 12.
I’m chatting with the Meet the Expats podcast
Finding more magic in life . . . all around the world. Have you ever been surprised by meeting people like you? I remember doing this all the time as a kid. It was–and is–exciting when you go to a new school or join a club and someone likes what you like or knows what […]
Deleted scenes from LOST WITH LEEKS: Queen Ash and St. Nicholas
LOST WITH LEEKS What would you do if your mother put St. Nick in the dungeon? Eleven-year-old Prince Nero wishes he didn’t have a gift for getting lost! He has to get his team together and lead a rescue mission for St. Nicholas. But his friends don’t want to follow him. A hot air balloon […]
Reviews for TROUBLE WITH PARSNIPS
TADA!!! The very first STUDENT review for Trouble With Parsnips From an amazing student in Japan! My very first review from a student!!! SO exciting!! I’m so touched and grateful that she took the time to read and think about and write about the book. Thank YOU SO MUCH to all of the reviewers! After […]