News
October 2026
It's hard to put into words what a meaningful experience it was to attend the Early Reader/Chapter Book/Graphic Novel workshop retreat at Boyds Mills (formerly Highlights: the original home of the iconic children's magazine).
I went for a crash-course in writing in new categories/formats, and left with about 18 new *extremely talented* friends.
I went with a loose idea for a story, and left with a strong draft, series idea, and plans to begin collage illustration.
I went with a sense of uncertainty, and left with a sense of inspiration, resolve, and empowerment.
I feel nourished and energized, and can't wait to share my stories!
Thank you to Boyds Mills & PJ Library for the scholarship that made this possible, and thank you to our fantastic mentors,
Kaz Windness, Vicky Fang, & Anne Appert!
Check it out for yourself...
Lots of inspiration in this rock garden!
Though my chronic illness caused some difficulties on my hike, I made out out alive thanks to a fellow creator!
My instructors provided so much more than teaching facts.
Word on my rock: BLOOM
September 2026
It's been a busy summer, filled with highs and lows: seeing my favorite band play at Madison Square Garden, hiking upstate and visiting friends & family, popping into indie bookshops from Durham, MA (Peter H. Reynold's store, The Blue Bunny) to Saugerties (Inquiring Minds) to New Paltz, NY (Literally Books)... and, visiting lots of doctors.
At those visits I've been trying to nail down a diagnosis for some ailments that have been disrupting my life on & off for the past few years, and I finally found a rheumatologist who has figured out what's up. Rather than going into detail here, I'm including a few links that can help appease any curious minds:
The good thing about having a diagnosis is that I'm now on the path toward treatment! The bad news is that treatment isn't easy to figure out, and, well, having a chronic illness means that sometimes life can be complicated. Since symptoms come and go, sometimes I'm absolutely fine, and sometimes I need to take a break from things for a bit. Sometimes I feel fine, but look like a red racoon, so I do a bit of hiding (which is a good time to catch up on reading!)
Luckily, I've managed to continue hosting weekly Weekend Welcome Storytime at our new location, Book RePort bookstore in Port Washington, NY! Don't forget to check out my Instagram posts sharing what I've read and what the kids enjoyed most about them. And if you ever find yourself in the area on Fridays at 4pm, come join us!
March 2026
I am honored and humbled to announce that I've been chosen for a Boyds Mills (formerly Highlights Foundation) Scholarship!
PJ Library has generously awarded me a scholarship to attend a writing workshop at their idyllic Poconos center.
I can't wait to take this next step in my writing journey, learning from a faculty made up of my heroes, getting inspired by the beauty of the land and working alongside kidlit creators who share my mission of bringing meaningful, impactful stories to kids.
October 2025
Today was the inaugural Weekend Welcome with Soundview Storytime,
as I read some fabulous Picture books to kids in our neighborhood
on a beautiful Friday afternoon.
I kicked off the first storytime with a theme of… books!
In honor of National Banned Books Week I read one of my FAVORITE banned books: BATHE THE CAT by Alice B. McGinty & David Roberts, followed by a tale of a banned book from the book’s perspective: BOOK COMES HOME by Rob Sanders & Micah Player, and then an adorable story about a story: DRAGONS EAT NOODLES ON TUESDAY by Jon Stahl & Tadgh Bentley, which ended in hearty giggles all around. I'm psyched to grow this new tradition!
September 2025
A couple times a year, my sons and I help pick up litter at our local beaches, because cleaner beaches mean a happier and healthier world.
Here we are at Sands Point Preserve Beach,
working alongside invasive-plant-eating goats!
One day you'll get to read my hilarious picture book about animals caring for their environment, inspired by these beach-cleaning trips.
June 2025
In the midst of Philadelphia's ALA Conference, I spent the weekend with my PB Rising Stars family! I did not attend the conference itself, but this meetup filled my heart with literary love. Extra special thanks to the PBRS organizers for their thoughtful & meticulous event planning!
No one does costume parties like PBRS!
Representing one of the funniest books of 2025, DON'T TRUST FISH by Neil Sharpson and Dan Santat!
Indie bookstore hopping with Kristin Saito, 2025 Mentee (we couldn't get over the beautiful picture book display shelves at Head House Books)!
What a thrill to meet Delano Brown, fellow 2023 mentee, critique partner, and author of MY NEIGHBORHOOD (PRH, 2026), in the flesh!
Soaking up some of the City of Brotherly Love glow with fellow 2023 mentee Lillie Pardo and 2025 mentees Kristin Saito and Shaunessy Sinnett. Yes, that is a book dress I'm wearing!
January 2025
I can hardly believe it, but I've been chosen as a 2025 12x12 Challenge
Silver Diversity Scholarship Winner for the second year in a row!
I am grateful and humbled to receive this scholarship, and so PUMPED to reap the benefits of this incredible organization as I continue to hone my craft and grow my branches throughout the 12x12 kidlit community!
Congratulations to all the winners, including
my critique partner, Na'Keysha Taylor!
September 2024
Oh no! I've been caught reading a banned book!
The Port Washington Public Library featured the most amazing interactive exhibit during Banned Book Week to raise awareness about the fight against book banning (they even distributed hundreds of banned books for FREE!).
Here I am taking a mugshot with one of my favorite banned picture books, Change Sings, by Amanda Gorman.
If you're ever in the neighborhood, be sure to visit this incredible award-winning institution - especially their Children's Room!
April 2024
I am thrilled to announce that my manuscript, BECAUSE OF LOVE, received an Honorable Mention for this year's PB Party Contest!
January 2024
I am grateful to have been chosen as a
12x12 2024 Silver Diversity Scholarship winner!
And a special congratulations to my talented critique partner,
Shyamala Shanmugasundaram, for winning a Silver Scholarship, too!
Here I am on the 12 x 12 Winner Wall for completing not just 12, but 14 new picture book drafts last year!
Summer 2023
Being a PB Rising Stars Mentee in 2023 was an outstanding experience. It has allowed me to hone my craft, make lasting connections, and give back to the writing community.
June 2023
I had so much fun reading my manuscript
KING ZAVIER SHARES A ZING*
to local families at the Growing Love Community Garden in Port Washington!
No illustrations yet? No problem! The real Zavier was a superb assistant, holding up images to help the audience participate in the story.
Watch a clip here:
*Working title