American Born Chinese

Posted by on May 24, 2023 in Childhood, Children's Literature, Illustration, What I've Been Reading | Comments Off on American Born Chinese

Anybody who is interested in or cares about children’s literature, or graphic novels, or Asian-American culture, or just basically anything should read Jamie Fisher’s article about Gene Wang’s unparalleled American Born Chinese and the upcoming Disney adaptation (for which I cannot wait).

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Booklist reviews Save the…Rhinos!

Posted by on May 18, 2023 in Animals, Nonfiction, Reviews, SERIES: Save the..., Uncategorized | Comments Off on Booklist reviews Save the…Rhinos!


Happy to see a nice review from Booklist for Save the…Rhinos! After the first book in a series, reviewers do not often follow up, so this is particularly welcomed. Thanks, Booklist!

“Thomson discusses threats to African and Asian species from poachers targeting their horns and from natural disasters. She notes that a single hurricane or tidal wave could quickly wipe out critically endangered Javan and Sumatran species, as each includes fewer than 100 rhinos. The efforts of local conservationists and worldwide supporters are discussed, and, in the back matter, readers are encouraged to help and given specific
ways of doing so. An informative book for readers who are concerned
about endangered animals.”

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Listen Up!

Posted by on May 11, 2023 in BOOK: Two Friends, Uncategorized | Comments Off on Listen Up!

Excited to announce that an audiobook of Two Friends, One Dog, and a Very Unusual Week is now available! I must be honest and say I have not yet listened. I’m a little nervous to do so….I have a very clear voice for Rani and Emily in my head, and it’s always disconcerting when a narrator (however talented) diverges from what I’ve been hearing for years.

But I will dive in soon and listen and appreciate…and I invite all of you to do so as well!

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Oldest Ever

Posted by on May 4, 2023 in Animals, Uncategorized | Comments Off on Oldest Ever

Jonathan is the tortoise on the left. He lives in the grounds of the governor’s mansion on St. Helena Island.

In doing some research for the upcoming Save the…Turtles! I have discovered that the oldest living land animal is a Seychelles giant tortoise named Jonathan, estimated to be 190 years old and with a decent chance of making it to his second century.

My editor, naturally, wanted to know if there were any marine animals that are as old or older. Yes. Including one Quahog clam who is 500.

I cannot imagine anything more boring than being a clam for 500 years.

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Teen Librarian Toolbox

Posted by on Apr 27, 2023 in BOOK: Two Friends, Uncategorized | Comments Off on Teen Librarian Toolbox

I’m so flattered to be asked to write a guest post about Two Friends, One Dog, and a Very Unusual Week for School Library Journal’s Teen Librarian Toolbox. Thanks, SLJ!

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Happy Book Birthday to Two Friends!

Posted by on Apr 18, 2023 in BOOK: Two Friends, Children's Literature, Uncategorized | Comments Off on Happy Book Birthday to Two Friends!

Two Friends, One Dog, and a Very Unusual Week is in stores and on shelves today. Happy birthday to Emily and Rani, two friends who learn what rules are for–and how to break them.

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Wombat In the World

Posted by on Apr 13, 2023 in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Wombat In the World

A talented young artist gave me her depiction of a wombat–note long claws, used for digging.

I had a wonderful, lively visit at the George Mitchell School in Waterville, Maine, with a talk about Wombat Underground. The audience was great and I got the best question during the Q&A: “Why do wombats poop in cubes?” Being prepared to talk about poop with a straight face is an essential skill for a children’s book author.

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