Illustrator for T-Rex book

So excited to have Dave Coverly illustrating HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR T-REX! It's going to be awesome!

Check out some of his award winning cartoons.
Check out the blurb about our upcoming book on PW.

Kid Boss on Amazon Rapids

Amazon Education released a new reading app today with short stories for kids ages 7-12. It's called Amazon Rapids. One of its goals is to provide another, more familiar venue to get kids reading. I think it's a great idea. That's why when they asked me to write stories for it, I happily said "yes." If you decide to subscribe to it or do the free trial, check out my Kid Boss stories. It might just get your kids reading, and hopefully laughing too.

P.S.
They should also have another story series of mine on the app before too long.

Signed contract arrived!!!

Drum roll........ Today the mailman delivered the signed contract for my next picture book - HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR T-REX. It will be published by Christy Ottaviano Children's Books, and imprint of Macmillan Children's publishing Group. More details to come. Happy dancing!!!

Getting author inspiration from Pinterest

My kids thought it was weird when they found out I was on Pinterest. But I've found it to be an invaluable tool as an author. I have boards with lesson plans that have book tie-ins. Boards about my books. Boards with book trailers. Boards with kid activities that deal with dragons, monsters and cows. And then some miscellaneous boards on other things I like.

But the board I'm lately getting the most use out of contains a variety of images that give me insight, inspiration, and ideas for the current middle grade fantasy I'm working on. If I'm trying to figure out how to describe aspects of a rainforest, I look on my board or search for other rainforest pins. If I need insight into clothes, armor and even hats worn in ancient China, I look on my board or look for more pins to add. If I need help with wildlife or plants, I turn to my board. If I need to refresh certain ideas or get new ones, my board helps me. If it's not on my board, I find other pins that might help. And when I need new inspiration, it's always waiting there for me on my board.

I also think it might be fun for others to look at my board, to just wonder and imagine what in the world this book I'm working on is going to be about. If you're curious, check it out.

https://www.pinterest.com/kenbakerbooks/inspiration-for-current-wip/