Blog

I often find ideas for books in something I’m reading or someplace I’m visiting, but every once in a while, an idea is gifted to me by a friend. That’s what happened on March 28, 2023, when I received an… Read More >

Hello, fellow Book Nerds, Book Lovers, Writers, Readers, and other People of the Book! I am about to change your life. Ok, that might be a bit hyperbolic, but I am 100% going to save you time and money. I’d… Read More >

August 31, 2024 marks the third anniversary of the publication of The Great Stink and I’ve come up with a fun way to celebrate that allows me to get to know you and your work, while supporting my local independent… Read More >

What is it with kids and poop? Why do they think it’s so hilarious?! I don’t have an answer for you, but I do have a list of the ten best books for poop-obsessed kids. Call it a gift guide.… Read More >

Once a year, on World Read Aloud Day (WRAD), the kidlit community offers free, 20-minute virtual visits to schools around the world. Here’s how to schedule a visit from your favorite author or illustrator: Sign up for Kate Messner’s newsletter.… Read More >

I’d dabbled with writing children’s books for more than fifteen years when I finally decided to get serious about writing picture books. My daughter had recently moved out and I chose to fill my empty nest by digging into the… Read More >

I am thrilled to share the news that I have a third picture book coming out! Firefly Song tells the story of how former citizen scientist (and current firefly expert) Lynn Faust discovered a species of synchronous fireflies in the… Read More >

[Please see my School Visits page or download my school visit information packet for details on bringing me and my award-winning book, THE GREAT STINK, to your school. I would love to meet you and your students!] The very first… Read More >

World Read Aloud Day is coming up on February 2, 2022! For the first time ever, I am joining millions of book lovers around the globe as we celebrate the power of reading aloud with World Read Aloud Day, held… Read More >

We tend not to think about things like bridges and roads, or water treatment, and sanitation facilities unless something goes wrong, but cities can’t function without them. Healthy infrastructure means healthy citizens! To celebrate the passing of the infrastructure bill,… Read More >