When I was young, I loved reading, gardening, going to the beach, riding horses, getting presents, and ... cake.



I still do.

As you can see, when I was in school, I wore the worst clothes and hairdos humanly possible.


I make better clothing choices now, although my hair continues to be a problem.

As I grew, I became very tall and very shy.


I loved books and I loved art - books and art didn't care that I was really tall or really shy. So I drew and painted and did mosaics and carved things (for a couple of years, I spent my whole allowance on bars of Ivory soap - great for carving!) and I read and made up stories.

Even today, I am happiest reading, writing, or making art.

These days, I split my time between Florida and Massachusetts, where I feel lucky to be able to write every day. I enjoy other things as well, like: bird-watching, raising orchids, bothering my kids even though they are grown-ups now, and ... pie.


I am the author of seventeen children's books, including the New York Times best-selling Clementine series; Summer of the Gypsy Moths; Pierre in Love; Sparrow Girl; and The Amazing World of Stuart. I have also contributed four books to the venerable Flat Stanley series.

My books have won numerous awards, including a Golden Kite Award and a Christopher’s Medal, many children’s choice state awards, and have appeared on many 'Best Books' lists.

I enjoy speaking about writing children’s books at elementary schools, conferences and college programs.