Category Archives: Uncategorized

“In one of the most memorable lectures on picture book writing I’ve ever heard, Liz Garton Scanlon encouraged writers to ask, “What is your book about? And what else? And what else?” A great picture book has multiple layers that add depth to the story and make it a re-readable experience for children and caregiversContinue reading “Lovely Freddie the Flyer article by KidLitCraft!”

SUBJECT LINE: I COULDN’T STOP SMILING WHILE EXPLORING “I came across Alis the Aviator on Amazon and was immediately charmed by the playful yet informative way you bring aviation history to life. The combination of gorgeous cut-paper art and a spunky guide like Alis makes learning about planes feel like a joyful adventure for readersContinue reading ““I COULDN’T STOP SMILING WHILE EXPLORING””

I love getting to mentor talented writers, and so I’m really grateful to be working with Zain Bandali through The Writers’ Union of Canada’s Micro-Mentorship program. Zain and I met when he was in town for the Hackmatack Awards in the spring, and I adored him/them right away. I’m so glad we could kick ofContinue reading “Micro-Mentorship with Zain Bandali!”

My longtime aviation historian friend John Chalmers forwarded a newsletter from the Western Canada Aviation Museum in Winnipeg featuring Freddie the Flyer in its Storytime with a Pilot program! Live in the area? Go check it out with the littles in your life!

With news of the Indian Hospitals class action and settlement here in Canada, I’ve had a few former patients reach out who are trying to piece together their memories of hospitalizations and track down their medical records. I wrote this email to one and thought I’d share it broadly in case it’s useful for people.Continue reading “Looking for Indian Hospital Records? Here are a few ideas.”

What a wonderful weekend in Pictou, Nova Scotia! If you weren’t able to make it out for all the conversations, meditations, and meanderings, check out these books and be sure to leave your 5-star reviews in all the usual places to support these great authors. Feel free to leave on on my titles while you’reContinue reading “Happy 25th Anniversary Read by the Sea!”

Freddie the Flyer may not have won the English nonfiction category, but what a fabulous experience having it shortlisted for the Hackmatack Awards, meeting other authors, visiting schools in Nova Scotia, and being part of yesterday’s amazing live ceremony with hundreds of kids. The energy was up and the enthusiasm for reading was huge!! AContinue reading “Freddie the Flyer @ the Hackmatack Awards!”

Halifax-area people with young would-be artists and authors in their circles, this is for you! Saturday, June 7th from 930-11am, come to the Prospect Road Community Centre (2141 Prospect Road, Hatchet Lake, NS, B3T-1S1) for a FREE book making event with me. Yay! We’ll supply the inspiration and materials, and you bring your imaginations forContinue reading “Free book making event for kids in Prospect, NS!”

What perfect timing! The First Nations Communities Reads award certificate arrived at Fred’s house his 90th birthday week. Congrats again, Fred and Audrea Wulf and the Tundra team! And thank you to the Periodical Marketers of Canada for sponsoring this award and putting copies of Freddie the Flyer in every First Nations library in Ontario.Continue reading “Happy 90th birthday, Fred!”

So excited to head up to Pictou, Nova Scotia this June to interview these four fantastic authors on the Read by the Sea – Main Stage! Featured authors for 2025 are Toronto, Ontario poet Myna Wallin; a Canadian nomad now in Halifax Charlene Carr; Liverpool resident Vernon Oickle; and member of Norway House Cree Nation who lives inContinue reading “Join Me for Read by the Sea this summer!”