Zinnia and the Bees Archives

nErDCamp SOCAL, July 19

May 24, 2019 / By Danielle

I’m super excited to be part of the very first NerDCamp in Southern California this summer! If you’re a teacher, librarian, or administrator in the area (or not in the area!), registration is open now for this very special July 19th “unconference” in Torrance.

It’s a free event where educators (and some lucky kidlit creators) come together to “learn and lead” about literacy in all subjects for all students.

Here’s a sampling of some of the authors and illustrators who will be there!

In addition to networking, sessions, and book signings, there are special events at Barnes & Noble Torrance as well for readers young and grown. You’ll find me there on Saturday, July 20th at 1pm for a talk, signing, and pom-pom yarnbombing craft. Andrea J. Loney and Tara Gilboy will be there presenting their books too!

Here’s the registration link if you’d like to join!

SCBWI LA LitMingle

October 3, 2018 / By Danielle

This Saturday, the talented and inspiring Roda Ahmed and I will be presenting on our debut publishing experience followed by a Q&A at the SCBWI LA West San Gabriel Valley LitMingle. Perfect for those curious about what happens after the book deal—all are welcome!

More info and RSVP here.

Many Voices of Middle Grade Panel

August 30, 2018 / By Danielle

So looking forward to this panel at Barnes & Noble at The Grove on September 8th with middle grade writer friends, moderated by bookseller Kalie Barnes-Young!

More info and RSVP on facebook here.

zinnia and the bees cover as food art!

August 22, 2018 / By Danielle

My sweet friend Bonnie at Thirsty for Tea asked Harley of Harley’s Food Art to create a cover of Zinnia and the Bees out of FOOD! How cool is that?

One Year of Zinnia and the Bees!

August 1, 2018 / By Danielle

Zinnia and the Bees was published one year ago today! To celebrate, I finally made a bookface!

And here are some favorite snaps to recap the past year.

Plus, I’m giving away one signed copy of the book over on twitter—come see!

SCIBA 2018 Finalists!

July 31, 2018 / By Danielle

I’m absolutely thrilled that Zinnia and the Bees is a finalist for the 2018 Southern California Independent Booksellers Association Awards in the Middle Grade category! Mostly, I’m thrilled to be among such stellar kids’ books and their creators! The Children’s Awards Luncheon will be on October 20th at the SCIBA Trade Show.

bee chocolate pops

April 17, 2018 / By Danielle

Meaghan at The Decorated Cookie made some chocolate bee pops in honor of Zinnia and the Bees a while back! And since spring is in the air and the bees are buzzing, I wanted to share them with you now.

She and I have collaborated before for This Picture Book Life (here and here) when she made adorable treats to pair with kids’ books. So it’s especially fun that she did the same for my book! A big, big thanks to her!

Check out Meaghan’s post at The Decorated Cookie to get the full instructions to make your own.

spring events in and around la

April 13, 2018 / By Danielle

I hope you’ll come see me at some spring events in and around Los Angeles.

I’ll be part of LA’s Yarn Crawl, the LA Times Festival of Books, and LitFest Pasadena!

nashville’s her bookshop w/ emily arrow!

April 10, 2018 / By Danielle

I was lucky enough to visit Nashville over the weekend and have an event at Her Bookshop while I was there. Plus my friend, the one and only Emily Arrow, joined me to sing the Zinnia and the Bees song!

Our pom poms and yarn bombed hair (see the last photo) were perfect for a chilly Saturday morning storytime.

And if you want to make your own simple pom pom, the instructions are right here.

Until next time, Nashville!

zinnia and the bees at reading to kids!

February 11, 2018 / By Danielle

It was a joy to share Zinnia and the Bees at one of my favorite places over the weekend, Reading to Kids!

I’ve written about this organization before here if you’d like to learn more about a wonderful volunteer opportunity one Saturday morning a month in Los Angeles. It’s a chance to read and craft with kids at eight schools in the city, to instill a love of reading, to connect to and encourage students through discussion and conversation and crafting, and to give each participant a free book to take home with them.

Big thanks to the affiliated teachers and to R2K for choosing my book as a read aloud! Here are some pics of the morning—I got to collaborate with one of my favorite volunteer friends. Hearing him read aloud from the story was a huge gift.