The Dirt Book picked by NSTA

Hi everyone,

I’m delighted to say that National Science Teachers Association has just published its list of Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K-12 for 2022, and THE DIRT BOOK is on the list.

Here’s how NSTA describes the list: NSTA, in conjunction with the Children’s Book Council, is pleased to announce the list of Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students. Representing the best science trade books published in 2021 for students in kindergarten through 12th grade, the books featured on the list include captivating stories, compelling characters, and beautiful illustrations.

I’m grateful (again) to KATE COSGROVE for her outstanding illustrations to make THE DIRT BOOK a winner, and to our editor, GRACE MACCARONE, for making sure we got it right.

My editor likes apples

Hi everyone,

My editor at Holiday House is Grace Maccarone. Together we’ve worked on A PERFECT HOME FOR A FAMILY, AND THE BULLFROGS SING, RUM PUM PUM, THE DIRT BOOK, and I WANT AN APPLE. Here she is at an office Halloween party, proving that she likes apples. Thank you, Grace, for helping me get this all just right. Thanks again to David Catrow for the fanciful art that brings the text of I WANT AN APPLE to such glorious life.

The book is shipping now. I had a delightful book talk on Saturday with Rona Brinlee at The BookMark book store in Neptune, Florida and look forward to giving others over the coming weeks.

Birth date for I WANT AN APPLE

Hi everyone,

I’m delighted to see my new title with Holiday House, I WANT AN APPLE, HOW MY BODY WORKS, officially become available today. My thanks to artist David Catrow for a stellar job illustrating the book and to my editor, Grace Maccarone, for guiding me through the 5-year process.

I have high hopes that this one will catch on for the young set that wants to know more about how the body works. Thanks for passing the news along. And of course reviews are always appreciated!

The Dirt Book one of eight named by Betsy Bird

Hi Everyone,

First thing I spotted this morning was a post by Betsy Bird for School Library Journey in which she names her picks for the top eight poetry books out in 2021. I’m honored to be on the list with Joyce Sidman, Nikki Grimes, Linda Sue Park, and four other strong talents in the field. Here’s the link. https://blogs.slj.com/afuse8production/2021/07/06/2021-poetry-versification-for-the-masses/?fbclid=IwAR0HRTkOWUKHFv78jS_7zlR5xY7kcD51GhkgjuL57Ba-_1yGagzfZykU9G0

THE DIRT BOOK was illustrated by Kate Cosgrove, edited by Grace Maccarone, and published by Holiday House

More good news about The Dirt Book

Hi everyone,

I checked Amazon this morning and discovered that THE DIRT BOOK has now been listed as the #1 new release for the third time. First was habitat and ecology; 2nd was in zoology; this third #1 is in disease. I guess that figures. Dirt is…well…dirty. In any event, I’m thrilled to see the range of interest in the new title.