Book Announcement
Hi, Friend.
I’ve just returned home from the Mississippi Book Festival, which was lovely—well-organized, well-attended, and genuinely fun. One of the questions readers love to ask is, “What’s next for you?” So…this is what’s next! My birthday next year is going to be extra special, because it’s also—completely coincidentally—the pub date for my first picture book. My Thoughts Have Wings, illustrated by the incredible Leanne Hatch, will be released by Balzer + Bray on February 13, 2024.
I have another reason to eat cake!
As if I need reasons!
This story is so close to my heart, inspired by tuck-ins with my own son. What if when your body is quiet and calm, your mind stays busy and loud? What if bad thoughts keep pushing the good thoughts out of the way? This is a book for children, but I think we all need an anti-anxiety bedtime story, don’t we?
Here’s the flap copy for My Thoughts Have Wings:
At bedtime, when lights go out…sometimes thoughts stay on.
Scary things and worries flutter and flap around. It’s so hard to sleep!
But a little imagination (and a lot of love) can create a cozy nest for happy thoughts—and sweet dreams for little ones.
The book is gorgeous, and I can’t wait for you to see the magic of Leanne’s illustrations. You can check out a sneak peek of the interior pages on her Instagram.
What would I like for my birthday this year? I’d love for you to pre-order this beautiful book for a child you love, a friend with little ones, or someone you know who’s expecting. (A stack of picture books has always been my go-to baby shower gift!*)
You can pre-order copies from my local indie bookstore, Gramercy Books, if you’d like signed copies shipped anywhere in the United States. Yes, I’m happy to inscribe them to your kids, your friends, the people you love.
You can also pre-order from your local indie bookstore—they would very much appreciate that!—or from your favorite online retailer.
Thanks, all—and sweet dreams,
Maggie
*Some other go-to books for gift-giving (many of these were my kids’ favorite-favorites): almost anything by Mo Willems, but Knufflebunny especially; Amos and Boris by William Steig; Big Red Barn by Margaret Wise Brown; A Visitor for Bear by Bonny Becker; In Every Life by Marla Frazee; The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats; Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney; Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell; Library Lion by Michelle Knudsen; Invisible Things by Andy J. Pizza and Sophie Miller; Someday by Alison McGhee; Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr.; Roxaboxen by Alice McLerran; Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin; The Brand-New, Never-Used, Perfect Crayons by Leanne Hatch; Punk Farm by Jarrett J. Krosoczka; I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen; Cars and Trucks and Things That Go by Richard Scarry.
What are your favorite picture books to give as gifts?
Oh Maggie, this is so beautiful to see. I will absolutely be preordering a signed copy for myself and for an adult friend who also enjoys/loves reading ‘children’s’ books--we are all still children at heart, at least, I hope so. ✨💚Congrats on this really lovely project/release/creation/book and it is extra awesome that will be released on your birthday--a beautiful and timely way to celebrate another precious trip around the sun. 💫🌞🤗
Hi Maggie,
I am sitting here at our dining table, sipping my morning coffee listening for the pitter patter of feet to come down the stairs.
I opened your substack and I have tears falling over my cheeks after reading, 'At bedtime, when lights go out…sometimes thoughts stay on.
Scary things and worries flutter and flap around. It’s so hard to sleep!
But a little imagination (and a lot of love) can create a cozy nest for happy thoughts—and sweet dreams for little ones.'
Our youngest experiences scary things and worries before he falls asleep, he is seven. Last night, I could've provided him with a cosier nest.
I cannot wait for the release of your book for it to come home to your other books on my library shelf and for River to hear the magic of your words.
I own a pre-school and another copy of your book will live in our library there and in the hearts of all the children.
Maggie, your words are a gift. xx