When I was growing up, I thought the coolest thing in the world would be looking in a library catalog and finding your own name there. Now that I've done it, I can say that it is one of the best things going.

My first book, One Very, Very Quiet Afternoon, was published in 1986. It is now out of print (I have a large family and they bought a lot of copies, but just not enough). Although I have been writing picture books longer than I have been designing type, there is some relationship here: My first book was an alphabet book and, although this part was dropped before publication, was inspired by looking at old initial caps.

I illustrated my first two books myself, but not the later. My illustration "style" (such as it is) doesn't match my writing style which means I am not the best person for the job. Besides, I have been extremely pleased with both my publisher's choice of illustrators and the work they've done. I can't imagine my last four books looking any other way. That is, I think, a great compliment to the illustrators.

All of my books are published by Greenwillow Books, a division of Harper Collins. Here's a look at the covers and a little more information on each.

All illustrations copyright by the illustrator.

Jake and Rosie
Illustrated by Patricia Lillie.
Jake and Rosie are best friends, neighbors, and inseparable. They even try to dress like twins. 0ne day, Jake can't find Rosie, anywhere. He begins to cry. But she comes home and brings a nice surprise. 1989.

NEW: Got an iPad? Jake and Rosie is now available in the iBookstore.

When the Rooster Crowed
Illustrated by Nancy Winslow Parker.
The rooster's awake, and so are the horse, the cow, the pigs, and the chickens. But the farmer wants to sleep in. A fun and noisy read-aloud for everyone.
1991.

Everything Has a Place
Illustrated by Nancy Tafuri.
In the best of all possible worlds, everything has a warm and cozy place: a cow in a barn, a cat in a chair, and where's the baby? On a lap, of course! A warm and reassuring read-aloud for the youngest listener. 1993.

When this Box is Full
Illustrated by Donald Crews.
This box is empty, but not for long. Month by month, it will fill with wonderful things, perfect for sharing.
1993.

Floppy Teddy Bear
Illustrated by Karen Lee Baker.
Little sisters, don't you just love them? Big sister has a new teddy bear, and she loves it. But little sister wants it. A lot. So she takes it, again and again. Luckily, Mama has a solution. 1995.

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