I recently received this gorgeous stack of books from Heidi Sheffield. Hobbes and I are very grateful and happy. Check them out yourself! (And watch for a second post where I admire Heidi’s signatures!) #booksky #megakidlit #picturebooks #readalouds

Hobbes really knows how to get behind a good book. #catsky #bookishcats

Thanks to American Family Insurance and Prairie Pages, I signed a lot of books today. BE KIND and BE STRONG are two of my favorite titles. Happy reading! #bekind #bestrong #megakidlit #booksky #picturebooks #librarysky

Walk through the Sun Prairie Public Library at regular speed to explore its new nooks and crannies. (I already tried going over and under, so you can go straight through.) And, check out WE’RE GOING ON A BEAR HUNT for yourself or a child you love. #libraries #librarysky #sunprairiewi #booksky

I was in a bathroom with a sparkly mirror, so I had to capture the moment.

What’s on your refrigerator door? #booksky #kidlit #fridge #refrigeratorart

We took Ollie to the vet today. We got him out of his carrier so he could get a shot and a nail trim and the vet tech said, “First, I have to hug this OTTOMAN!” New nickname unlocked.

Want to read books and ignore people? So do my sister and I. We have a long history of parallel reading that goes back to our childhood. #reading #sisters #bookshop

A chat with my husband, Mark Miller, who loves bookstores and libraries almost as much as I do. #hesaidthat #booksky #megakidlit #reading #booksbooksbooks

There are some benefits to getting older. (Thanks Prairie Pages and Pam Wells.) #booksky #megakidlit #kidlit

My upcoming book with Peter Mutabazi and Tamisha Anthony now can be preordered. It's about all the things dads do and the different ways families look. Preorder links are in the comments. You'll be the first to get the book when it releases in March. #megakidlit #booksky #dads #adoption #fostering

So happy to see Jill Esbaum talk about her new picture book illustrated by Bob Shea — HORNED TOAD HAS A SUPER POWER — at Sidekick Coffee & Books in Iowa City. Awesome author! Awesome store.

I’ve been massively ON DUTY lately. As a daughter, mom, wife and person. I tend to be a fixer, even when I shouldn’t — which leads to more tasks. But this week, as my sweatshirt says, I am OFF DUTY. I’m visiting Iowa for a writing retreat. Here’s to writing, revising and, “Call someone else.”

Wow! Thank you to everyone who helped get ONE CAN BE, my book with Annie May Cron from @beamingbooksmn.bsky.social, into a @littlefreelibrary.bsky.social in every state plus the District of Columbia. It’s been so much fun watching the journey. #booksky #librarysky #megakidlit

If Mark Miller had a job description, “Hauling Pat’s books” would be a key deliverable. And … he would consistently exceed expectations. #husband #megakidlit #raye #library #booksky

I’m really enjoying putting this webinar together. If you want to dig into the craft of picture book writing with me, you can register here: tinyurl.com/4wbpwbh8 ($14.99 to watch live or after the fact.) #booksky #megakidlit #kidlit

I ordered a sparkly jacket. It didn't fit. Mark went to return it. The process took some trial-and-error. As he told me the saga, he said, "It was a great jacket." I smiled because Mark supports my efforts to sparkle in what I wear and do. Marry someone who won't make you dull your shine.

Two books. Two bears. Two bedtimes. Two vastly different situations. One — yawn — similar outcome. I think you should read them both. #kidlit #booksky #bedtimestories #readalouds

I'm offering a BRAND-NEW picture-book-writing webinar about using hooks and layers to add entry points to your story. Here are some books I’m reading as I build it. Details and registration info here: us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regi... #booksky #librarysky #megakidlit

I love librarians. I so respect the work they do and the values they uphold. Free access to information for all! Help finding a book, video, article or fact! A space to be without worrying about being hurried along! So, I was stoked to meet ALA President @samhelmick.bsky.social today.

I'm offering a BRAND-NEW picture-book-writing webinar that you can join live or watch after the fact. It's about using hooks and layers to add entry points to your story. Register here: us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regi... #megakidlit #booksky #SCBWI #picturebooks #kidlit

Brooke is an mom and author of silly, serious, and sometimes strange stories for children and young adults. Her writing has garnered national awards. When she’s not writing, she can be found flying, fishing, and having fun with her family. 2/2

The 50th state to have ONE CAN BE by Annie Cron and me in a @littlefreelibrary.bsky.social is ALASKA thanks to @brookehartman.bsky.social. When we started this project, the LFLs in Alaska were buried in snow, but now things are warming up! 1/2 #50states #onecanbe #alaska #megakidlit #booksky

I didn't know Dori well but admired her from afar. It was reassuring to see Wisconsin produce such a talented, prolific author. If you haven't read Dori's work, spend some time seeing how beautifully written and structured picture books can be. 3/3

Dori was a great rhymer. I referred folks to her "Icing on the Cake" article where she shared exactly how to do it. Dori's ON A WINTRY MORNING helped me write my SHARING THE BREAD. When I told Dori I'd borrowed her rhyme scheme, she said: "That's OK. I borrowed it from someone else!" 2/3

At my first SCBWI event, Dori Chaconas mentioned selling her 26th book. I said, "I want to BE Dori Chaconas." The person by me said, "EVERYONE wants to be Dori." Dori had an amazing -- CORK AND FUZZ, CHRISTMAS MOUSELING, LOOKING FOR EASTER, DON'T SLAM THE DOOR and HURRY DOWN TO DERRY FAIR. 1/3

These three books make great new grad gifts. I know folks who bought one and had teachers sign it each year so when the child graduates, it recaps their education. Order from Mystery to Me, and I'll sign the book and the store will ship to you. (Plan ahead to get it in time!) #graduation #booksky

Say you’ll see me at Prairie Pages this Saturday at 11 a.m. I’ll read two books and have coloring sheets, stickers and bookmarks. Come alone! Or bring a kid! If you haven’t visited Prairie Pages yet, this is the perfect reason to see this wonderful new indie bookstore. #sunprairie #sunprairiewi

It’s almost graduation time. And WHEREVER YOU GO is back in Target’s graduation display. They’re stocking the board book, but the full-size picture book is available at other in-person and online booksellers.

Independent Bookstore Day is the perfect time for impulsive, hard-to-explain decisions! Especially about books. Stop by an indie near you. Let’s do this! I visited Prairie Pages with Katie Regan and Emily Beach. #booksky #indiebookstoreday #sunprairie #shoplocal