I was happy to be included in Seasons of Kidlit to celebrate World Wombat Day and my recent book, An Accidental Hero: A Mostly True Wombat Story, illustrated by Debbie Palen.
We talked about my writing life including:
writing informational fiction and why that’s my sweet spot
my inspiration for writing An Accidental Hero
the unique structure and why adding the newsroom animals and field reporter were important
why back matter is important and what it adds to a picture book
the most gratifying moment I’ve experienced as an author (pictured below)
I'm a reading specialist and award winning educator from Chicago. While living in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado for nine years, I spent time hiking on the trails with my Goldendoodle Charlie and friends, writing, working in a literacy program at the Boulder Public Library, and mentoring writers and teachers. I love visiting schools. My books combine STEM and Kindness. "Aliana Reaches for the Moon" a picture book that draws inspiration from the moon and the curiosity of children, inviting children to be creative, explore, and experiment. "An Accidental Hero: A Mostly True Wombat Story" a picture book told in the form of a newscast which skillfully balances the serious subject of forest fires with compassion and humor to help children navigate this important topic through the real events of 2020. I moved to Northern New Jersey in 2025 and am working on new projects.
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4 thoughts on “World Wombat Day 10/22/24”
it was an excellent article promoting a very useful book.
I never heard of World Wombat Day before, but I have loved your book since it came out! Thanks for writing it, and thanks, Heather for the great interview!
Thank you for your wonderful support, Ellen! I actually think A Flood of Kindness and An Accidental Hero have strong similarities in terms of themes and how they can be shared with children to comfort them about a scary situation in a non didactic way. 😊
Laura Roettiger Books 
it was an excellent article promoting a very useful book.
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Thank you, Robin.
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I never heard of World Wombat Day before, but I have loved your book since it came out! Thanks for writing it, and thanks, Heather for the great interview!
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Thank you for your wonderful support, Ellen! I actually think A Flood of Kindness and An Accidental Hero have strong similarities in terms of themes and how they can be shared with children to comfort them about a scary situation in a non didactic way. 😊
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