What inspired The Little Book Scout series?

Shortly after my husband and I moved into our first home nestled in a small town in Pennsylvania, I discovered something magical. Our neighborhood was full of community book share boxes! Within a few months, I was visiting them all the time.

As I made my way from box-to-box, I kept thinking, "I wish I had known about these when I was a kid!" I knew right then that I wanted to create a book series that captured that magic.

While I was writing the first story, The Little Book Scout and the Big Dino Dig, the teacher in me couldn't help but wonder "How can I make this even more of an adventure for my readers?" That’s why I decided to include activity sheets and special notes for parents at the end of every book. My goal is to help families turn a simple walk to a book box into an entire 'themed day' of fun!

Why doesn't the little book scout ever have a name? Are they a girl or a boy?

Ah, that is the most magical secret of all! I didn’t give the little book scout a name or a specific look because the little book scout is actually YOU.

Since every reader is unique, I wanted you to be able to step right into the story yourself. Whether you are a girl, a boy, or a brave explorer, you are the hero of these adventures.

What's your favorite writing snack? 

I am a total cheese-lover! When I’m busy typing away or brainstorming a new quest for The Little Book Scout, I usually have a bowl of something crunchy and cheesy nearby. 

Do you have a furry "assistant" at home? 

I absolutely do! My assistant’s name is Daphne, and she is a miniature dachshund—which is a fancy way of saying she’s a tiny weenie dog.

She takes her job as an author's assistant very seriously. Her main responsibilities include:

• Chief Napper: Keeping my lap warm while I type.

• Snack Manager: Making sure I don't forget to take a break.

• Security Guard: Keeping a close watch for any squirrels that might try to steal my story ideas.

What are some of your favorite children's books?

I had so many favorites, but a few that I love the most include The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister, Butterfly Kisses by Bob Carlisle, Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse by Kevin Henkes, Silly Sally by Audrey Wood, and the Angelina Ballerina series by Katharine Holabird. 

If you weren't an author, what other dream job would you want?

Believe it or not, I already have my other dream job! When I’m not writing books for you, I’m in a classroom teaching middle school students how to master their own reading and writing skills.

Every day, I get to help my students discover new worlds in books and find their own voices as writers. It’s a pretty amazing adventure to see a student get excited about a story for the first time. So, whether I’m writing my own stories or helping my students write theirs, I’m always surrounded by the thing I love most... books!

What's your favorite way to relax?

You might have guessed it already, but my favorite way to relax is to head out into my neighborhood to visit our local community book boxes. There is something so exciting about opening that little wooden door and seeing what’s waiting inside.

What is the best piece of advice you have for a kid who dreams of writing their own book someday? 

My biggest piece of advice is don't ever give up on your stories! Being an author is a lot like being a scout. Sometimes you have to look a little closer at the world around you to find the hidden gems. Inspiration is everywhere—it’s in the way the clouds look, the funny thing your pet did today, or even a mystery box on a street corner—just waiting for you to find it.