News and Views
Happy Book Birthday to One Cosmic Rock
Today is the official publication day of One Cosmic Rock, wonderfully illustrated by Julia Vasileva, and I’m thrilled it’s out in the world! It’s a companion book to One Tiny Bubble, illustrated by Dawn Lo, which won the 2023 SCBWI Crystal Kite Award for Canada, among other honours.
What the Book Is About
Sixty-six million years ago, an asteroid hurtled through space toward an ancient Earth that looked very different from the one we know today. Back then, enormous creatures towered over marshes, soared above forests, and ruled the seas, while smaller life-forms scurried and snarled, swam and bloomed. Then—SMASH!—an icy cosmic rock crashed into the planet, and life on Earth was completely changed.
Though many species were made extinct because of this one cosmic rock, some life found a way to continue and develop over millions of years, eventually evolving into the diverse life-forms—including humans!—that thrive on our planet today.
My Inspiration For This Book
I was inspired by a quote by Ludovic Ferrière, curator of the rock collection at Vienna’s Natural History Museum, who said, “Rocks are like books. You can look at the cover and get some basic information, but it’s when you open them that you get the full story.”
My first draft was about a meteor crashing into Earth, yet the wonderful editorial staff at Owlkids Books suggested I might focus on the asteroid that impacted the dinosaurs instead. I dove into research and agreed that this rock fit the theme of universal (and planetary) connection to our current lives on this planet in the same way that One Tiny Bubble did. I was hooked.
I wrote the new manuscript quickly, loving the high drama and action surrounding this rock. I welcomed the opportunity to explore the idea of resilience through an evolutionary lens.
Challenges When Writing
It was a challenge to figure out how to write about such a huge loss of life—the mass extinction of many species—in a way that honours the truth yet remains sensitive to the child reader.
After much thought, I placed the mass extinction of the dinosaurs at the midpoint of the book so that the focus of my story would be on resilience and adaptation after an unimaginable setback. I also included information in the backmatter about how scientists work to protect the Earth from another impact event, further caring for the anxious reader.
One Cosmic Rock asks young readers: Is it possible that we humans exist because of one cosmic rock? If life on Earth can survive this impact event, what else can it survive?
My Hopes For This Book
I hope this book opens space for readers to ponder and question their evolutionary existence. I hope they see it as a celebration of resilience. I hope it inspires hope.
Also, I hope readers will explore Julia Vasileva’s rich illustrations in depth, revisiting the book to discover the many fascinating species that have inhabited this rock called Earth. When I share this book with readers, I like to play a Name That Life-Form Game, since so many kids know more dinosaur species names than I do! For example:
On pp. 6–7, what dinosaurs, water creatures, and plants can you name?
On pp. 8–9, can you find the snake with legs? The spider with a tail? The bird with teeth and claws on their wings? What other life-forms can you name?
For more ideas about how to use this book, please check out our Classroom Discussion and Activity Guide.
Praise for One Cosmic Rock
“This vibrant, engaging book provides the perfect introduction to the last day of the dinosaurs and the resilience of life on Earth.”
Professor Paul M. Barrett, Natural History Museum, London, England
“A joyous, lyrical celebration of planetary life.”
Kirkus Reviews
“A compelling exploration of perseverance and the enduring story of life on Earth.”
Natalia Paruzel-Gibson, Author
New School Presentation
Dinosaurs and More! An Exploration of Your Earth Family
I’ll take students on a journey of the evolutionary history of life on Earth using One Tiny Bubble and/or One Cosmic Rock as a framework. We’ll celebrate our common ancestry through our Last Universal Common Ancestor, or LUCA, the one-celled organism that sparked all life on Earth over 3.5 billion years ago. We’ll celebrate the resilience of life on Earth through the story of the asteroid responsible for the dinosaurs’ extinction 66 million years ago. And we’ll honour the diverse life-forms that thrive on our planet today – including humans. I’ll facilitate an oral story-writing exercise with the group and conclude with a Q&A. Themes: STEM; Environment and nature; Building resiliency and mental health; Writing activities.
You can also check out my other book talks and writing workshops.
To order One Cosmic Rock:
New Book Deal: Forever Fries
Many years ago, I began a prose novel for teens that just never worked, even after multiple rewrites. Later, I tried writing it as a novel in letters. Finally, I began writing it as a verse novel. It took a while to learn this new-to-me form. I took courses with author Cordelia Jensen and later with author Laura Shovan, and they both helped me trust myself and my poetry. Plus, many beta readers helped me hone the text. Now, I’m thrilled to share the news that this story has found a home!
I’m forever grateful to my agent Ginger Knowlton of Curtis Brown, who has been a passionate champion of this verse novel from her first read. And I’m thrilled to be working with author and editor Sarah Howden, designer Dahlia Yuen, and everyone at Orca Books to bring you Forever Fries. It’s a book of my heart. It’s a book loosely based on personal and family history. It’s a book that I hope will help us all shine our light and celebrate the light in everyone else too.
A Picture Book Primer
Want to Revise Your Picture Book Manuscript?
Thanks to writer and editor Jesse Weiner for hosting me on her Inksations blog! Please check out my guest post, “Deconstruction and Reconstruction: A Primer on Picture Book Revision.” Do you have a picture book manuscript you want to revise, but you’re unsure where to begin? My article will help deconstruct what you’ve written so you can reconstruct it with intention. While you’re there, please consider subscribing to Jesse’s newsletter, which is jam-packed with writing calls, gigs, articles, interviews, and more.
Looking for More Insights?
You can also check out my upcoming Revise Your Picture Book Manuscripts course through Whale Rock Workshops. I would love to see you there! For more info, go to Whale Rock Workshops or message me to chat.
Latest Reviews
One Cosmic Rock
“This vibrant, engaging book provides the perfect introduction to the last day of the dinosaurs and the resilience of life on Earth.”
Professor Paul M. Barrett, Natural History Museum, London, England
“A joyous, lyrical celebration of planetary life.”
Kirkus Reviews
Coming February 17, 2026!
The Cloud That Stuck
“A gentle, hopeful picture book about mental health and resilience, following Tansy as she learns to live with a cloud that won’t leave her side. With support, creativity, and self-acceptance, she discovers that even stormy days can bring growth, friendship, and beauty.”
MaiStoryBook
“A heartwarming and convincing tale for kids seeking to ride out life’s rainclouds.”
Kirkus Reviews
Coming April 14, 2026!
My Street Remembers
“In clear, age-appropriate language, My StreetRemembers acknowledges injustices and harm, and invites us to do better. This is a gorgeous, moving story for readers of all ages.”
Erin Dalton, Huckleberry Books, Quill & Quire Notable Books 2025
“Local history comes alive when we think back to who lived on the land before our houses were built.”
Harriet Zaidman, Winnipeg Free Press, A Best Book of 2025
Available Now!
My Street Remembers: Interviews
I’m honoured by this feature article in The Canadian Children’s Book Centre’s Book News magazine. It was written with sensitivity by a writer I greatly admire—Heather Camlot. Her books are excellent, so please seek them out. In “A Road Less Travelled,” Heather speaks with illustrator Cathie Jamieson and me about how our unconventional teamwork shaped our new book, My Street Remembers.
Heather writes, “Relationships and connections are at the heart of My Street Remembers, through its marriage of words and illustrations and through the teamwork of the author and illustrator…. My Street Remembers is the result of distinct cultural identities and the sharing of perspectives. The book ends with the line, ‘What does your street remember?’ But the question is really an introduction, an invitation to readers to discover the diverse communities of their neighbourhood—past, present and future.”
You can read the full article by becoming a member of the CCBC—an organization well worth supporting—or by purchasing an individual copy.
Notable Book
In other news, My Street Remembers was a Quill & Quire Notable Book 2025 as well as a Winnipeg Free Press Best Book of 2025.
Radio Interviews
It was also on the radio! You can listen to our radio interviews here:
- CBC Radio “Here and Now” Interview with Karen Krossing
- CBC Radio “Up North” Interview with Cathie Jamieson and Karen Krossing
More Media Interviews
- Reflections on Truth and Reconciliation with Cathie Jamieson and Karen Krossing
- Process Talk with author Uma Krishnaswami: Karen Krossing on My Street Remembers
- Interview with Karen Krossing, by author Debbie Ridpath Ohi
- Karen Krossing Introduces My Street Remembers
Education Resources
Upcoming Workshop and Mentorships
Revise Your Picture Book Manuscripts
Do you have picture book manuscripts that you’d like to revise with a small, committed group of writers dedicated to helping you produce your best work? Please check out my upcoming picture-book revision class through Whale Rock Workshops.
When
Wednesdays April 22 – June 24
(excluding May 27)
7:30 – 9:10 PM EST | Online
Level
All Levels
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!
This in-depth, hands-on, nine-week workshop is limited to eight participants. You’ll use your own manuscripts to explore picture-book craft/revision, you’ll discuss craft elements you can apply to your own manuscripts, and you’ll participate in weekly online discussions that dive into picture book craft topics.
Our nine weeks together include:
- An initial session on learning how to participate in a writer-centered critique group—one that centers on each writer’s needs and creates a safe, nurturing feedback experience. (This session is required for participation.)
- Eight 80-minute workshop sessions facilitated by me where writers will offer and receive targeted, constructive feedback that inspires revisions and helps you meet your writing goals.
- Two manuscript critiques per participant during the workshop sessions, including feedback from me.
- Learning about picture book craft from me and one another’s creative efforts and insights.
- Eight weekly online conversation prompts about picture book craft in a separate, online digital learning space exclusive to the group.
Build-Your-Own Whale Rock Mentorships
This winter, Whale Rock is introducing a build-your-own mentorship to meet your unique needs. These are immersive, writing experiences designed to offer writers one-on-one attention, feedback, and skill-building from expert, MFA-level faculty members, including me. Please go to Build-Your-Own Mentorships to check out the options, or message me to chat.
For more info and to register, go to:
Cover Reveal: The Cloud That Stuck
I’m excited to share Dorothy Leung’s cover art for our picture book The Cloud That Stuck, coming from Charlesbridge Publishing in April 2026!
Some clouds just won’t go away. When one hovers above Tansy’s head, she learns to live with it through love, support, and creative thinking. A timely picture book about mental health, resilience, and change.
Whoosh! On a blustery day, the wind blows a cloud over Tansy’s head, blocking the sun. She yells at the cloud and tries to outrace it on her bike. Her best friend, dad, and teacher try to help get rid of it, but the cloud won’t budge. Then it rains on Tansy, and she forgets what sunshine feels like.
Having a cloud overhead feels like the worst possible thing in the world. Until Tansy gets rain boots and an umbrella. She plays in the puddles with her friends and even plants a garden and waters it with her handy, always present cloud. As Tansy finds ways to live with her cloud, she witnesses that flowers need rain, and so do rainbows.
Inspired by the author’s experiences with mental health, this book is for anyone who has faced challenges beyond their control.
Available for Pre-order Now
Happy Book Birthday to My Street Remembers
Today is the official publication day of My Street Remembers, gorgeously illustrated by Cathie Jamieson, and I’m thrilled it’s out in the world! I first wrote this manuscript in winter 2018 during my MFA program at the Vermont College of Fine Arts. It has passed through the hands of many readers and reviewers along the way, and I have much gratitude for their feedback. In particular, I’d like to thank Darin P. Wybenga, Traditional Knowledge and Land Use Coordinator of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and Dr. Mary Ann Corbiere, Associate Professor Emerita, University of Sudbury.
What the Book Is About
How many footsteps have walked your street?
Peel back the history of one city street in North America to reveal the greater story of the land on which we live. This rich collaboration between author Karen Krossing, of White settler descent, and Anishinaabe artist Cathie Jamieson ends with a question that readers anywhere can ask – what does your street remember?
This is the first book in the Better Paths series, which explores our relationship and reconciliation with the natural world.
Praise for My Street Remembers
“This addition to the Better Path series examines the relationship between humans and the natural world. Acrylic illustrations in bright, bold colors frequently stretch across double-page spreads, unfolding like a visual timeline that drives home the area’s history. A thoughtful overview and reflection on the life and legacy of a busy street.” Booklist
Launch Events
This Fall, I’ll be hosting a book launch for My Street Remembers and presenting at several festivals. I hope you’ll join me!
New School Presentation
I’m now booking for a new school presentation. You can also check out my other book talks and writing workshops.
What Does Your Street Remember?
I’ll take students on a journey of the collective history of one North American street using My Street Remembers as a framework. We will notice the place where the students live – who walks there now and what they know about who walked there before – and what it means to belong to a place. We will discuss treaties through the lens of collective friendship and what it means to be a good friend. And we will observe what we can do to connect and reconcile with the place where we live. I’ll speak from my identity as a person of settler heritage and use my collaboration with Anishinaabe illustrator Cathie Jamieson as a model for community-building. I’ll conclude with a gratitude activity for the place where we live and a Q&A. Themes: Relationships with place and inclusion; Indigenous experiences and reconciliation; Developing community and working with others; Environment and nature; Combatting racism and prejudice.
To order My Street Remembers:
Book Launch and Fall Presentations
This Fall, I’ll be hosting a book launch for My Street Remembers, gorgeously illustrated by Cathie Jamieson. I’ll also be presenting at several festivals. I hope you’ll join me!
Book Launch
Please save the date for a family-friendly book launch of My Street Remembers plus a presentation and art activity by Moccasin Identifier.
Date: Sunday, September 14
Time: 1 to 3 p.m.
Hosted by: Create Art Studio, 1801/1803 Danforth Ave, Toronto
How many footsteps have walked your street in the past?
My Street Remembers peels back the history of one city street in North America to reveal the greater story of the land on which we live. This picture book by author Karen Krossing, of White settler descent, and Anishinaabe artist Cathie Jamieson ends with a question that readers anywhere can ask: What does your street remember?
Moccasin Identifier is an Indigenous-led initiative dedicated to increasing awareness and understanding of Indigenous Treaties and history across Canada. Their mission is to cover Canada in Moccasins, creating visual and educational reminders of the significance of Treaties and the Indigenous relationships to the land.
Books will be for sale by Ella Minnow Children’s Bookstore. This is a National Public Reading event with funding support from the Canada Council for the Arts through The Writers’ Union of Canada.
Word on the Street Toronto
I’ll be at Word on the Street Toronto for a picture-book panel discussion with author Willie Poll on Saturday, September 27 at 1:35 pm.
New Hampshire Book Festival
I’ll be at the New Hampshire Book Festival for a book panel discussion on Saturday, October 4 at 1:15 pm on the KidLit Stage. The panel is called Home: Not as Advertised, and it’s with authors Azadeh Westergaard, Lita Judge, me, Adina King, and moderator Lisa Stringfellow.
Telling Tales Festival
I’m thrilled that My Street Remembers was selected for the 2025 Telling Tales Reading List. Please check out the full list of new and upcoming titles.
You’ll find me at the Telling Tales Festival on Sunday, October 5 at 2:15 p.m. for a Storytime session. I hope to see you there!
To pre-order My Street Remembers:
Cover Revel: One Cosmic Rock
I’m excited to share the cover art by Julia Vasileva of our picture book One Cosmic Rock: The Story of the Asteroid That Changed Our World, coming from Owlkids Books on February 17, 2026. Julia illustrated with mixed media, including stencils, ink, collage, and a dash of stardust. This gorgeous book is a companion to One Tiny Bubble: The Story of Our Last Universal Common Ancestor.
Millions of years ago, an asteroid hurtled through space and crashed into Earth. In that moment, life on our planet changed forever. The world burned. Many plant and animal species became extinct. Yet amazingly, some life-forms survived and persisted. Over many, many generations, they evolved into new, diverse life-forms – including humans – that thrive on our planet today.
We already have an expert review of One Cosmic Rock:
“This vibrant, engaging book provides the perfect introduction to the last day of the dinosaurs and the resilience of life on Earth.”
Professor Paul M. Barrett, Natural History Museum
We can’t wait to share this book with you!
Available for Pre-order Now
Mentoring News
I love teaching at at Whale Rock Workshops. In fact, I recently finished facilitating a small-group workshop on revising picture books that was so wonderful I didn’t want it to stop. You will still find me teaching workshops and delivering lectures through Whale Rock.
Now, I’m excited to announce that I’m adding to my teaching by joining the faculty for the Creative Writing Graduate Certificate Program at the Humber School for Writers in September 2025! This is a long-term, graduate-level program where I’ll be focused on mentoring children’s writers as they create their best work. It’s now accepting applications for Fall 2025.
