23 Comments
Aug 21, 2023Liked by Maggie Smith

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. 💫🌞🤗

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💗💗💗

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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

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Thank you, Belinda. Sending lots of love to your River. x

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Aug 21, 2023Liked by Maggie Smith

Elisa Kleven https://g.co/kgs/qe4zGy

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Aug 21, 2023Liked by Maggie Smith

Maggie, this seems like an important book for kids as they navigate this world. 🙏🏽

I’m wondering if you’ve ever seen or read children’s books by Elisa Kleven.. She’s an amazing illustrator and author whose books have warmed many young hearts.

Check her out!

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Thank you for the rec!

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🩷

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Aug 21, 2023Liked by Maggie Smith

I've discovered that most children's books need to be read by adults. Some of my favorites: Our Table by Peter H. Reynolds, Gumblesquinch by Rachel Vail

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I totally agree, Sylvia. And thanks for these recs.

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"I Love You, Stinky Face" by Lisa McCourt was the most surprisingly adored picture book I received as a gift when I had my first. It just sounded kinda weird/gross from the title, but we loved it soo much. “I love you, little greenie. Bon appetit!”

My other fave that I bought myself before my first was born - "On The Night You Were Born" by Nancy Tillman. Still makes me cry.

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Oh yes—that Tillman book is so sweet.

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Aug 21, 2023Liked by Maggie Smith

I always give books – not only picture books but books to grow with – as baby shower gifts, including anything by Mo Willems and Eric Carle; “Worm Loves Worm” by J.J. Austrian; “The Day You Begin” and “The Year We Learned to Fly,” both by Jacqueline Woodson; “How to Read a Book” by Kwame Alexander and Melissa Sweet; “Green Eggs and Ham” by Dr. Seuss; and “Charlotte’s Web” by E. B. White, still my favorite book of all times. I can’t wait to read your new children’s book, Maggie!

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Oh yes--How to Read a Book & The Day You Begin!!! Thanks for reminding me of these. You can’t go wrong with Alexander or Woodson. 🙌

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founding

So many congratulations, Maggie! I’ve ordered two copies, one to be signed for each pair of grandchildren! I may have to order a third for me so I can read to them when they come to visit! 😀❤️👏🏻

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Thank you, Terry!🙏

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awesome, congrats!

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Aug 21, 2023Liked by Maggie Smith

Oooh I’m excited about this!! Congratulations! I love picture books that provide a safe, beautiful place to land for both kids and adults. Working as a therapist, I gathered picture books over the years that I think are therapeutic to all ages! Some of my faves are: After the Fall by Dan Santat, The Sad Book by Michael Rosen, The Three Questions by Jon Muth, Duck, Death, and the Tulip by Wolf Erlbruch, & The Mother Daughter Dance by Jeannie DuBose.

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Thanks so much for these recs!

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Oh, so many books! Anything and everything by Robert McCloskey, but particularly Blueberries for Sal and One Morning in Maine, though Make Way for Ducklings is his best known, perhaps. You Are My I Love You by Mary Anne Cusimano was a more recent favorite.

The Surprise Family by Lynn Reiser is a little known, but gorgeous, story about the unexpected contours of family. Great for adoptive families and other sorts of chosen families or blended families.

Potluck by Anne Shelby is the most exuberant A-Z book ever written. The Other Way to Listen by Byrd Baylor, all about listening to the Earth, encapsulates the animism and magic that children experience so readily, but we also often lose as we get older. I wish every child got a copy.

I could go on for days... So excited for you, Maggie!

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“You Are My Miracle” always makes me cry, so I’ll look up the other one—and thanks for these, Asha!

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Wonderful!

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