While I’m waiting to hear back from my editor on a collection of poems about Paul Revere’s ride, I thought I’d share this delightful resource I came across on during my research–a virtual tour of the steeple and bell tower of Old North Church. Follow the stairs and ladders up to the top and imagine yourself as Revere’s two friends (or maybe just one, the historical record is a bit on the skimpy side) toiling up the tallest point in Boston to light a pair of lanterns and let watchers in Charlestown know that the redcoats were leaving Boston over the Charles River…
Read MoreIt’s publication day for Save the…Turtles, the book that introduced me to the term “chelonian.” Meet Jonathan, a Seychelles giant tortoise and the oldest living land animal…find out how turtles breathe through their butts (it’s true, they do)…and learn about the Wijsen sisters, teenage environmental activists. “Written in an engaging, easy-to-read style, this series works for both research and personal reading,” says Booklist.
Read MoreI’ve been working lately on a collection of poems united by themes of the natural world, the seasons, and clothing or textiles. Yep, clothes. Just a thing I’m playing with.
Since summer has arrived in Maine all in a rush (time to get the flannel sheets off the bed, I guess), I’m sharing one of my summer poems.
Small World
What does a worm wear?
miles of earth
deep dark tunnels
cool soft spaces
What does a firefly wear?
dim purple twilight
an endless hush
between dawn and dusk
What does a mosquito wear?
the sharpest sword
What does a cricket wear?
music
What does a honeybee wear?
heavy golden dusk
slow summer days
sweetness
Read More
Meu livro foi traduzido para português e estoniano!
Minu raamat on tõlgitud eesti ja portugali keelde!
My book has been translated into Portuguese and Estonian!
This morning I sent off to my agent an outline for a sequel to The Griffin’s Boy. If I get the go-ahead to write it, I hope will heavily feature a legendary water creature, the ziphius or water owl.
With a beaked face and a sharp dorsal fin, it could attack ships by puncturing them or gnawing on them. A delightful and little known creature…I do hope I get the chance to include it in a book. Fingers crossed, everybody!
Read MoreHappy to say that Booklist approves of Save the…Turtles! Their review says:
Read MoreReaders learn about where turtles live, from the desert to bodies of water, and get to meet Jonathan, a Seychelles giant tortoise who–at over 190 years old–holds the title of being the oldest land animal on Earth….Written in an engaging, easy-to-read style, this series works for both research and personal reading.