About Me

I started my writing career in fourth grade when my teacher, Mrs. Hays, complimented my writing one day and encouraged me to keep at it. I still remember her kind words. I had a blast editing my high school newspaper and doing the same at Wesleyan University. I wrote humor columns for USA TODAY for many years and have contributed to several other national and local publications.

I began writing children's books a few years ago with the amazing Neal Porter at Roaring Brook Press (Macmillan). GRANDMA'S SMILE came out in 2010, got great reviews, and enjoyed a stint on the Amazon and Barnes & Noble.com's children's best-seller charts. MY SNAKE BLAKE arrived in 2012 with hilarious illustrations from Serge Bloch -- and according to a starred review in Kirkus, "just might be the most spectacular pet of all time. Clever, laugh-out-loud fun." 

ONE PROUD PENNY was published in 2017, once again from Neal Porter Books, and featuring more fantastic art from Serge Bloch. The reviews have been terrific. The school visits have been awesome. And a special thanks to all the teachers, librarians and students across the country who have embraced my work, along with my sense of humor. You inspire me!

Finishing up some new stories now. Will keep you posted. Thanks for visiting!