Happy 10th anniversary to Unusual Chickens for the Exceptional Poultry Farmer! I’m so glad that Sophie and her super-powered chickens made you laugh, and hope, and dream. It’s been such a joy to hear from you over the last ten years.

Here’s to ten more!

Bidding is open for the Washington Library Association’s Silent Auction. I’ve donated a virtual author visit, so if you’d like to book me for a library program, school visit, or book club talk, bid now! Next school year is fine.
washingtonlibraryassociation.betterworld.org/auctions/wla...

Hey, I’ll be speaking and signing at the Washington Library Association conference’s Book Bash event this Friday, 4/11, from 4:00-5:30 pm, with many other amazing NW authors and illustrators! Book sales by Grit City Books. More info at www.wla.org/2025-confere...
#WLA2025

Quick sketch on this #RightToReadDay of what it feels like to share the stories of my heart. I have always been drawn to the freedom to choose the stories I love at the library. I won't stop fighting for the right to read.

Step up and help @UABookBans protect the #FreedomToRead. #DrawnToFreedom

In Olympia yesterday (despite the snow!) in support of the Washington Library Association’s Library Legislative Day. I had great conversations with librarians, sharing my own experience with book bans and discussing ways that they and our WA chapter of Authors Against Book Bans can work together.

I #ReadFreely because it brings me joy. Pick up Brooms! by Jasmine Walls & Teo DuVall, a YA graphic novel about young women who form an illegal backwoods broomstick racing team to go after their dreams, if you could use some more joy too. (Thanks, #AuthorsAgainstBookBans & Third Place Books!)

Yeah, now seems like a good time to share this. Published authors/illustrators/narrators/translators: Come help us fight for the freedom to read! AuthorsAgainstBookBans.com (Thread)

Washington state published book creators: the WA chapter of Authors Against Book Bans meets virtually this week. Hear what’s happening & be part of the conversation: join us at authorsagainstbookbans.com.

Not in WA? Join AABB & learn what’s happening in your area.
@authorsabb.bsky.social

Shiny Idea Time started as an experiment in setting time aside for my creative R&D while still getting my main project done. It’s one of the simplest, most useful tools I have, so I want to share it with writers and illustrators who are ready to try something new.

www.scbwi.org/events/shiny...

Here’s a few of my drawings from @elliepeterson.bsky.social’s virtual Procreate class! I was too impatient to do tutorials on my own, so this was a great way to gradually learn tools as I needed them, and hang out and doodle with my husband one evening a week. (We both took the class.)

Hey, on December 10th I’ll be talking about my shiny idea time for a SCBWI Western Washington webinar!

This will be a creative process discussion about telling stories, whether you’re working in words, illustrations, or some other medium. Beginners and pros welcome.

www.scbwi.org/events/shiny...

Who’s going to @geekgirlcon.bsky.social this weekend? I'll be part of the Book Defenders Assemble! panel on Sunday, talking about how @authorsabb.bsky.social fits into this fight and my own experience having Unusual Chickens pulled from a school district. Hope to see you Sunday.

Katie Kath’s drawings of Henrietta the cranky chicken still make me laugh every time. I hope your spring is off to a better start!

(Detail from the cover of Are You Ready to Hatch an Unusual Chicken?)

#UnusualChickens