Time for Change

I’ve never claimed to be good with change. I like to have time to get used to the idea of something new. Time to get uncomfortable and then comfortable. Time to get excited. I know I’m not the only one. In fact, at least one of my kids is the same way.

So, it was easy to write a picture book about a child who has trouble with change. In fact, she meets each new family member with resistance, until she realizes that change can be okay…it can even be great.

I don’t have enough fingers to count how many times I have found myself in the same situation.

For four years I called this book THERE’S ALWAYS ROOM FOR MORE. (You might have heard me talk about it or seen a post.) And then, because the Universe is a tricky thing, we (the Chronicle Team and I) decided to change the title at the very last minute.

CHANGE CAN BE HARD. AND EXCITING. AND STRESSFUL. AND EXHILARATING. Sometimes all at once.

In this case, change is ironic. Because after years of working on a book about accepting and even embracing change, it is my turn to put my words into practice.

I’d be lying if I said I didn’t lose any sleep over the changes, or cry a few times through the process, or feel that queasy feeling that comes before something wonderful and new.

Luckily I have an amazing support system - editor, agent, husband, children, friends - who let me get used to the idea. They let me talk through getting uncomfortable until I got comfortable. And then, we all got excited. REALLY EXCITED!

So here I am, absolutely THRILLED to announce the new title of a picture book I am so proud of. A book about family, love, growth, and change:

AND THEN CAME YOU: When Families Grow, Love Grows Too

I cannot wait to share the beautiful cover with you in just a few weeks. And the whole gorgeous book with you in April 2025.