When All Creation Leaned In to Listen
Every so often, a picture book comes along that feels less like a story and more like a deep breath. Song of the Stars is one of those rare treasures. Released in 2011, it still invites readers, big and small, into the hush and wonder of the very first Christmas, not through the voices we usually hear, but through the anticipation of creation itself. From the rustle of woodland creatures to the quiet stir beneath the sea, the whole world seems to lean in and whisper, “It’s time.” For families observing Advent or simply longing for a fresh way to experience the nativity, this book is a beautiful companion.

​If you’ve ever planned something special only to have it tumble sideways, you’ll feel right at home with Little Mole Gives Thanks by Glenys Nellist, illustrated by Sally Anne Garland. Our furry friend has whipped up quite the woodland feast of pinecone pie, acorn stew, and mushroom soup. The kind of spread that would make any forest critter drool. But when each of his invited guests sends their regrets, Little Mole is left with a full table and an empty heart.

The Great Turkey Chase Begins
​I avoid chaos whenever possible. Especially during the holidays when things can get out of hand. Yet there I was, chasing down a runaway turkey through the pages of Adam Wallace’s How to Catch a Turkey. As if the holidays aren't crazy enough. 

This festive picture book from the bestselling How to Catch series turns a simple school day into a full-blown turkey chase when the star of the Thanksgiving play gets a bad case of stage fright and bolts. What follows is a wild romp through the halls, classrooms, and gymnasium as students try to capture the clever bird before showtime.
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It’s a zany, rhyme-filled romp that captures the excitement (and slight madness) of pre-holiday classroom life.

Opening The Leaf Thief  by Alice Hemming, illustrated by Nicola Slater, feels a lot like leaping into a giant pile of autumn leaves—the crisp scent of earth rising up, the tickle of brittle edges brushing your cheeks, and the whoosh of colors swirling around you. This New York Times bestselling autumn picture book for children is as fun as it is thoughtful. As I turned the first page, I couldn’t help but think of Remmy from my own book Remmy’s Sticky Situation. Just like Remmy blamed his friends when his cotton candy mysteriously disappeared, Squirrel is quick to point a paw at his forest neighbors when one of his precious leaves goes missing. Both stories carry a playful reminder that sometimes what we fear isn’t really the fault of others—it’s simply change at work.

​When I first walked into the Starke County Public Library for their Beyond the Book event, I could feel the buzz in the air. Laughter, the shuffle of little feet, the hum of conversations—all signs that something special was happening. Over 450 people showed up (with 200 at the Bluey program alone!), and you could tell from the start it was going to be one of those memory-making kind of days.

I didn’t do any reading this time, but I had fun sharing my stories in other ways! For example, I asked kids if they knew what happened when you put cotton candy in water or if they’d ever tried making a sailboat out of scraps found around the house. I also gave away The Wonder of Under-themed sailboat kits and Remmy’s Sticky Situation “dumpster dinner” treat bags.