Kaiser Elementary School Visit

I had the pleasure of visiting Kaiser Elementary School in Roseville, where I introduced Annie the Porcupine to the entire K-5 school body. What an incredible experience! From the moment I walked in, I was met with the warmest welcome and an energy that reminded me exactly why I love school visits.

One of my favorite things about these visits is witnessing the power of books to inspire young minds. Seeing students connect with characters, ask thoughtful questions, and recognize themselves in stories is truly magical. Representation matters, and every visit is an opportunity to celebrate diversity, inclusion, and belonging.

The best part? The incredible questions from students! Some of my favorites from this visit:

📚 "Why do you take Annie with you?" – I love this question because, even though Annie is my stuffed porcupine, she's also so much more than just a character in a book. She represents a journey, a voice, and a little piece of my heart that I love sharing with young readers.

📝 "How long did it take you to write it?" – My usual answer is that the writing process took about 14 months, but one student had a realization that truly stuck with me. They said, "Since you always had a story in your mind, it took you over 40 years!" And you know what? They were right! Every story I write is built on a lifetime of experiences, imagination, and the desire to make sure all kids see themselves in books.

A huge thank you to the teachers, staff, and students of Kaiser Elementary** for your kindness, curiosity, and enthusiasm for storytelling. Your engagement made this visit unforgettable, and I can't wait for more opportunities to connect with young readers.