I’m a little bit giddy! Publication day for my new children’s book, chapter book Starlin: Picture Day Drama, is almost here! Sept. 15 is the big day. Little known fact—new books almost always come out on Tuesdays. Now, you’ll notice it!
I’ve been doing my best to slow down and savor the moments leading up to its release. Book birthdays don’t happen every day! And this series is six years in the making. I’ve been looking forward to this fall for a looooong time. Each tiny indicator of the book’s upcoming arrival is reason for celebration.
The day that my author copies of Starlin: Picture Day Drama, illustrated by Katie Crumpton (Beaming Books), landed on my doorstep was a significant event. It’s a thrilling feeling to see and touch stacks of a book, which lived strictly in your imagination for years!
Here’s a video I posted on Instagram of my Starlin unboxing. (Thanks for the special delivery, Beaming marketing!) Check it out for sneak peeks at Katie Crumpton’s adorable art.
I’ve been out and about sharing it, too! I signed copies at the annual ALA conference in Chicago. I hand-delivered books to Shriners Children’s Hospital in Chicago (Starlin wears a TLSO back brace, as do many children with scoliosis, who receive care there), and to the audiology team at Lurie Children’s (Starlin wears hearing aids, and the book has a front matter about hearing aid amplification). I also ran a little giveaway on Instagram, to spread the word. Congrats to the winners!
Now, the big day is almost here! To introduce the new chapter book series to readers, I’ll be visiting bookstores and libraries across the Midwest this fall. Do you live in Illinois, Nebraska, Missouri or Wisconsin? If so, I’m coming your way! Here’s the official book tour schedule:
If you know me, you know this series is very close to my heart. Starlin arrived in my imagination back in 2020—the year my daughters’ schools were closed due to Covid-19. We spent a lot of time at home together, doing remote learning lessons and trying our best to stay engaged and connected to the world.
We read nonstop. Chapter books were my oldest daughter’s favorites—especially Jada Jones and Yasmin. We read story after story together on a blanket in the yard. I was blown away by the books, which provided awesome representation for readers!
But I wished that in our incredible stack of books, there was a chapter book that centered the adventures of a disabled girl who used augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and a wheelchair, so that my oldest could find herself in a chapter book too. That summer, during a long vacation car ride, Starlin popped onto the page! Her warm heart, wild imagination, and theatrical inclinations are qualities that all my daughters share, so I dedicated this book to each of them.
I’m so honored to collaborate with Katie Crumpton to bring Starlin fully to life! It’s my dream that in our books, many readers will find themselves and others will learn about experiences outside of their own. As for the emotions, needs, and aspirations in Starlin’s heart? I believe those connect us all.
When friends ask me how they can support Starlin and its launch, I try not to be too shy about it! The more people who find out about and enjoy Starlin, the more likely I’ll be able to write more of her adventures—and wow would I love to do that! With this in mind, here are a few ways to celebrate the arrival of the books this fall:
Order Picture Day Drama and Concert Queen here or from the indie of your choice
Request the books at your local library
Come to a book event in your area
Tell a friend about the books
Repost my Instagram posts to your stories
Give the books as gifts—the holidays are coming!
Share the books with your neighborhood school library
Introduce me to your school librarian for a possible school visit
Any of these would help so much!
I’ll be sure to share pictures from this fall’s events—and when you read the books, please let me know what you think! I cannot wait to learn what connected with you and the young readers in your life.
Until we next chat, HUGS and THANKS for your support!
