​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. 

Welcome to the Pumpkin Patch
The other day, I stepped outside and caught the very first whisper of fall—damp bark drifting through the air, apples ripening in the backyard, and that cozy, can’t-quite-name-it feeling. That same autumn wonder wrapped around me when I opened Pumpkin Day for Boo and Belle.

This isn’t just a story—it’s an invitation to a world where friendship and forgiveness bloom among pumpkins and falling leaves. Pumpkin Day for Boo and Belle by Laura Sassi is autumn tucked neatly between two covers. With lilting rhymes, swoon-worthy illustrations, and a message as sweet as pumpkin pie, it’s the kind of book you’ll want to curl up with again and again.

Keep reading for all the cozy details—and yes, there’s a giveaway too. Because really, what’s fall without a little surprise?

STEM + SEL: The Dynamic Duo
Every great superhero needs a sidekick. Batman has Robin. Buzz has Woody. And in the world of learning, STEM has SEL. Together, they make an unbeatable team.

STEM—Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math—helps kids discover how the world works. It’s the power of asking questions, solving problems, and exploring everything from baking cookies to launching rockets.

​​SEL—Social-Emotional Learning—helps kids discover how they work in the world. It gives them the super-skills of empathy, resilience, teamwork, and kindness.
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On their own, they’re strong. But when STEM and SEL team up, they become a storytelling superpower. Let's talk about how, together, they can conquer the world.

I’m thrilled to share that The Wonder of Under won 3rd Place in the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) KidLit Awards, with judges also naming its title as one of their favorites. For a debut, self-published picture book, this recognition is such an incredible honor.
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What makes this moment even sweeter is remembering how the book came to life. The story was inspired by my granddaughter, who, as a curious crawler, loved peeking under rugs and couches again and again. I jokingly called it “the wonder of under,” and soon the phrase grew into a story about imagination and discovery.

​Snip, Stitch, Storytime
Do you remember turning something old into something new—like magic with scissors and thread? Nancy Bess Had a Dress is a heartwarming picture book that wraps resilience, creativity, and vintage charm into one delightful daisy-print package. With awards already lining its metaphorical sewing basket (including the 2025 Librarians’ Favorite Award!), this little gem has clearly stitched its way into many hearts—and now, mine too.

In When the World Slowed Down: How We Were Reminded That We Are All Connected, author Ronda M. Wojcicki takes a moment in history and turns it into a beautifully told story for young readers. With a light touch and a lot of heart, this book gently helps kids understand what the world went through—and how we grew through it. Whether your child lived through 2020 or just hears whispers of it, this story makes sense of the moment with clarity, care, and a whole lot of hope.
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A Gentle Welcome: First Impressions
Open the cover and you’re instantly greeted with “20 ways to slow down when life gets hectic”—an invitation to breathe deeply and dive in. The writing? It’s cozy and clear, like a warm cup of cocoa for the soul. Each page leaves room to think, feel, and just be, which is