NEW BOOK DEALS

“Tara Walker at Tundra Books has acquired Fox Fairies by Elly MacKay, a picture book about sisters Celeste and Miriam and their search for magic, and The Island of Wild Horses, a picture book about the horses who call Sable Island home. Publication is planned for summer 2027 and 2028 respectively; Emily van Beek at Folio Jr./Folio Literary Management sold world rights.”

— Publisher's Weekly Rights Report - May 2025

I am late to share this here as I have already been working on these. I am so excited to be working with Tara Walker at Tundra Books on another 2 picture books, Fox Fairies and The Island of Wild Horses.

Fox Fairies is set in a backyard rambling garden and I have had the most wonderful time sketching away in a couple of gardens, imagining these fox sisters playing. This summer I went a with an artist friend, Kristine Moran to Moreland Place. It is on the edge of town near Inglis Falls. We both work so differently. It was wonderful to spend time with another artist and see how she worked and what inspired her. The other garden that is a reoccurring spot for my stories is Keppel Croft Gardens in Big Bay. It is where I spent so much of my time growing up.

Preorder A Forest Begins Anew!

A Forest Begins Anew is already available for preorder!
It comes out next spring (2026).
It was written by Louise Aamodt. It is poetic non-fiction.

Book Description

Told through lyrical rhyme and stunning 3D cut-paper illustrations, this is the captivating story of a forest’s renewal as it goes from ashes to new growth in the aftermath of a sweeping forest fire.

Set against the backdrop of a devastating forest fire, A Forest Begins Anew unfolds the life cycle of a particularly resilient ecosystem. As smoke jumpers leap from planes and pinecones eventually unseal from the heat of the fire, the story poetically weaves the effects of a forest fire into a vibrant tapestry that reveals a delicate balance between destruction and renewal.

Back matter containing fascinating facts and further reading portrays forest fires not just as destructive forces but as catalysts for growth and rebirth. With its lyrical rhyming text and breathtaking illustrations, A Forest Begins Anew honors nature’s ability to survive against the odds.

I'll be touring with Canadian Children's Book Week 2026!

I am just delighted to be touring again with the Canadian Children’s Book Week! Congrats to the authors and illustrators selected. What a great group. And thank you to The Canadian Children’s Book Centre!

I toured in Prince Edward Island previously and it was an amazing week, visiting 17 schools and libraries. They haven’t yet announced where we will be going this year. Soon! I can’t wait to meet all of the young readers/writers/illustrators! I love to get the students involved - coming up with stories and creating their own art. It is such a special week for everyone.

Details:

The upcoming national tour will take place from Sunday, April 26 to Saturday, May 2, 2026.

We will announce tour locations in late October 2026, and the application process will open then. Schools, libraries, bookstores and community organizations will be invited to submit their applications to host Book Week visits.

More details about Book Week can be found at bookcentre.ca

#CCBCBookWeek #BookWeek2026#CanadianAuthors #CanadianIllustrators#CanadianStories

THE BUNNY BALLET - KIRKUS STAR! 'Encore - worthy!'

The Bunny Ballet comes out this Fall! You can preorder it here on Indiebound, or anywhere books are sold. It was written by Nora Ericson, who wrote Too Early as well. Published by Abrams Books! I’m so delighted with this starred review from Kirkus. I can’t wait to get this into little dancer’s hands.

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library Homecoming 2025

I am excited to be a presenter at Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Homecoming Event this year. I will be speaking on: Wednesday, June 18 at 1:15pm EST

Program partners and supporters from around the world will join together virtually from June 17-19, 2025, for a special celebration of DPIL's shared history and achievements.

ONLY HUMAN - SHOW at the TOM - JUNE 28th to OCT 4

Join us at the opening of Only Human at the Tom Thomson Art Gallery in Owen Sound.

OPENING: Saturday, June 28th from 2-4.

I explore what it means to create art in an era of generative AI art. I won’t be sharing any images from the exhibition and I ask everyone that comes not to share images as well. We will see what can be experienced without being ‘trained on’. You will have to come in person. Come for the art, the community and human connection. Stay human! The show runs from June 28th to October 4th. Thanks friends!

Zap! Clap! Boom!

I just got some lovely news. Zap! Clap! Boom!, written by Laura Purdie Salas, published by Bloomsbury Kids, is shortlisted for the North Carolina Children’s Book Award! The book will be one of 12 shared with students throughout the state.

Frostfire is in the running for the Elizabeth Mrazik-Cleaver Canadian Picture Book Award!

Staff Pick at Indigo!

Frostfire is a December Staff Pick at Indigo! It is also a Best Book for 3-5. It is on sale right now. You can pick up a copy on sale! https://www.indigo.ca/en-ca/frostfire/9780735266988.html

Indie Kids’ Next Pick - Indiebound!

Thank you independent booksellers for choosing Frostfire as an Indie Kids’ Next Pick!