It’s been three years since I became a published children’s book author and this year I’m pausing to celebrate!
First and foremost, I am celebrating you, the community that has helped get the book into the world! Thanks to you, we’re almost sold out of our second run, and Janine Macbeth, of Blood Orange Press is working on the third printing! This is no easy feat for an independently published book with almost zero marketing budget!
Whether you bought one or multiple copies, hosted or co-sponsored an event, donated or recommended it to a library, helped spread the word, read the book to children or invited someone to read in your classroom or school, sold the book in your store, donated to our travel fund, or offered advice, thank you! There are too many people to thank, so I won’t even try, but you know who you are, and I am deeply grateful. Oh, and, please don’t stop. There are many more lives that could benefit from the book!
Second, I’m beyond thrilled that the book is doing what I had hoped – making a difference for children and families. Here are a few quotes that made my heart sing:
“I love this book—it’s enormously helped my nephew feel more comfortable wearing dresses & being himself!”
tweeted by Shay
“It’s been so meaningful to have a book to read to our kid that reminds her that she and her peers can define their gender and gender expression for themselves. And to be able to have this tool in English and Spanish with beautifully illustrated characters of color has been so important for us. A rare and much needed combination. Thank you!”
Nadia Williams, Parent
Third, I’m excited to share a new website and updated guides for families and educators!
Check out our new website to find resources and information, order the book, or check out the gallery full of photos of our loving and supportive community. You can also schedule an author’s visit or workshop. Thanks to Yvonne Day-Rodriguez of Y. Day Designs for the website design magic!
Educators and Families can now download guides to find ideas on starting conversations with children about the book as well as support in addressing questions and concerns that might come up. Thanks to colleagues/friends Mauro Sifuentes and Ellen Tuzzolo for their insightful suggestions. There are big changes in version 3 of the guides, including a more question-based approach.
Looking forward to more reading adventures in the years to come!
With gratitude, Laurin