Picture Book News

Picture Book News

by | Jun 10, 2026 | Book News

Picture Book News

It has been a busy winter and spring for me, with the publication of two new picture books. I’m thrilled they’ve been so well received, and it’s fun to finally share them with young readers.

The Cloud That Stuck

I’m excited that The Cloud That Stuck is included with many wonderful books on the 2026 Telling Tales Reading List! Hooray!

“For anyone who’s ever tried to outrun their emotions, The Cloud That Stuck models how to embrace all that you are and all that you’re feeling—playfully and beautifully.”
Liz Garton Scanlon, Author of Caldecott-honored All the World

One Cosmic Rock

Thanks to 49thShelf for including One Cosmic Rock in their list of Most Anticipated Spring 2026 Books for Young Readers!

Educator Spencer Miller also selected it as a Winter 2026 Top Grade selection on 49thKids for Teachers. He said, “I love how this book about extinction and evolution puts your students right into the story, connecting them to science and history.”

My Street Remembers

This spring, IBBY Canada announced the finalists for the 2025 Elizabeth Mrazik-Cleaver Canadian Picture Book Award, and My Street Remembers, illustrated by Cathie Jamieson and written by me, was on the list! Such an honour! I’m so pleased that Cathie’s illustrations were recognized in this way, and congrats to winner Howie Shia for Ra! Ta! Ma! Cue!

Are You Revising a Picture Book?

If so, please check out my guest post on Jesse Weiner’s Inksations blog:  “Deconstruction and Reconstruction: A Primer on Picture Book Revision.” It includes tips to 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.

Want to work with me on your picture book manuscripts? I’m on faculty at Whale Rock Workshops and Humber School for Writers, where I mentor writers in all genres of writing for children. Please get in touch for more information.

Upcoming Workshop and Mentorships

by | Dec 8, 2025 | Mentoring, On Writing

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:

Whale Rock Workshops

Mentoring News

by | May 28, 2025 | Mentoring

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.

Upcoming Presentations

by | Apr 23, 2025 | Presentation News

Appleby College Festival of Authors

On Saturday, May 24, 2025, you can find me at the first-ever Appleby College Festival of Authors, located in Oakville, Ontario! Its goal? To celebrate the incredible work of Canadian authors. I’m thrilled to see this new festival joining the literary landscape. Let’s help it be a big success so that it can continue for years to come.

At this year’s festival, you’ll find panels of speakers who are all there to share their books and delve into their creative journeys. Whether you like fiction or memoirs, thrillers or romance, picture books, or YA, you’ll find an author and books that are right for you. Tickets are only $10 and are available here.

I’ll be speaking with moderator John Corr and panelists Richard Scrimger and Sylvia McNicoll about The Power of Friendship in Stories. Plus, A Different Drummer bookstore will be on site so you can pick up new books, including my latest – Monster vs. Boy. I hope to see you there!

Writing Craft Talk at CANSCAIP

On June 11, I’ll be speaking at the monthly CANSCAIP members’ meeting at 7 p.m. ET. Meetings are via Zoom, and you can contact CANSCAIP for membership options or a one-time invitation as a guest.

I hope to see you there!