Hi there!
Welcome to my newsletter for October 2026. I hope you're enjoying the cooler weather and countdown to Halloween.
I can't believe it's already been just over a year since my book tour in Maryland for The Dog Who Saved the Bees. I have so many great memories of meeting fellow dog lovers and sharing the true story of Cybil and Mack with readers. And I'm eternally grateful to Cybil and her husband Roy for giving me a place to stay and being such terrific hosts. I miss them and all their dogs!
I'm honored The Dog Who Saved the Bees was chosen for the Florida Association for Media in Education (FAME) 2026-2027 Orange Blossom Nonfiction Reading List. Thanks to that nomination, I'll be at the FAME conference in Orlando, Florida, on October 28 and 29, 2026.
On Thursday the 28th at 3:45 pm, I'll be sitting on a panel to discuss turning facts into fascinating nonfiction. I'll also be signing books that same day at 10:30 am in the Exhibit Hall and playing library games with fellow authors and conference attendees in the evening. I have no idea what library games are, but I can't wait!
I'm excited about my upcoming book Talk to the Dog: How to Be a Doggy Detective. Perfect for kids ages 4-8, readers will discover how to read a dog's body language, recognize emotions like happiness, fear, excitement, and stress, and respond safely in everyday situations. Using real-life examples, this empowering picture book gives children the confidence to interact with dogs in a way that builds respect. Whether your family has a beloved pet, your child is meeting dogs for the first time, of you simply want your kids to be safe around canines, Talk to the Dog is for you!
The illustrations by Madi Wong are absolutely adorable and showcase so many different dog breeds. Published by Sourcebooks Explore, the book will be out on May 4, 2027. I'm tickled it's Star Wars Day, but as there are no dogs in the Star Wars universe, I can't think of a way to celebrate both days at once. Let me know if you have any suggestions!
If the book sounds appealing to you, please consider pre-ordering as pre-orders make a big impact.
Three Things
Every newsletter I share three things I'm enjoying right now. You might like them too!
- I recently finished The Murder at World's End by Ross Montgomery which is a locked-room whodunit set in 1910 England. I figured out the killer just before the reveal, so it kept me guessing most of the way through. But best of all, I was laughing out loud thanks to one of the main characters, Miss Decima Stockingham, who has a wicked potty mouth and a way with creative insults.
- Although I don't watch a lot of football, I fully enjoyed the TV show Chad Powers which dropped season 2 last month. Glen Powell plays Chad, a disgraced college quarterback who disguises himself to try out for another team. It's very funny with a lot of heart, and I hope it gets renewed for season 3.
- Because she's my critique partner and friend, I'm enjoying a sneek peek of Melissa Coffey's upcoming book One Spark. With uplifting rhyming text by Coffey and gorgeous illustrations by Bernadett Urbanovics, this picture book celebrates the light inside all of us. It will be out on November 3rd, and I highly recommend you check it out.
Nature News
Have you heard about the new cat species that was discovered in Bolivia? The spotted Leopardus tilcayo only weighs about 2 kilograms, the same as a 2-month-old kitten. The species was found through genetic testing of 2 specimens at a sanctuary. Doesn't it make you wonder how many other incredible animals are out there yet to be discovered? You can read more at Science News.
Do you know somebody who might enjoy my newsletter? Please share this with them.
Let's stay in touch
My Books
