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It happens that I saw an announcement for an essay contest.  Imagine a Day Without Water. It happens to be a national campaign: Imagine a Day Without Water is a national education campaign that brings together diverse stakeholders to highlight how water is essential, invaluable, and in need of investment.   It happens I have lived in places where clean water is difficult to find.  Around the world and here in the US.    Imagine! It happens that clean water is a subject I am very interested in. It happens I am collaborating [...]

Looking for an activity with family in 2022?  How about a book and movie night?  Disney's Encanto an animated Colombian tale of magical realism explores themes of family and immigration and the special powers in each of us. A Thousand White Butterflies coauthored by Jessica Betancourt Perez and yours truly is a story of a Colombian immigrant, family and friendship. The movie offers details of life in Colombia: flora, fauna, food and fashion.  A good way to extend "Butterflies".  The music by Lin-Manuel Miranda adds to the Colombian vibe.  The characters of all [...]

If you live in Pittsburgh you can head on over to Ten Thousand Villages and get a signed copy of my books. Finish up your Christmas shopping here with many unique gifts.    There are a great selection of galimotos to go with the book.   Browse, shop and help a fair trade non-profit today.  One of my favorites shops anywhere! (And did I mention these books?)  

Stories and Walking.  These are two of my favorite things! Nature and Reading.  What better combination? Story walks are springing up everywhere.  A few weeks ago my grandson introduced me to this walk in a park in Blue Ash, Ohio.  Right next to the library.  (Have I mentioned libraries are on my favorites list too?) The featured book was  Sheep Take A Hike.  A fitting title for this hike down a wooded trail.  What could be better than a walk with my grandson, my dog and a story to read?   Story Walks [...]

I am pleased to announce that Andres Landazaball is working on sketches for Bear Helps the Forest(And Maybe You Do Too).  See his art here:   http://www.andreslandazabal.com/illustration   Bear loves to dance and play in autumn leaves. But when she wakes up from a long winter nap the leaves have disappeared.         Where did they go?               Find out in Spring 2023 from Charlesbridge Publisher: Bear Helps the Forest (Maybe You Do Too)

A few sprinkles did not dampen the enthusiasm for books, reading and story telling at the Homestead Library in Pittsburgh. October and Halloween- themed games added to the festivities with pumpkin painting cider and donuts. But the  real treat  featured storytelling with the talented Cynthia Battle.      It was a joy to share the stage. Celebrating reading and stories, putting books into the hands of kids and their families.