Favorite Shel Silverstein poem?

“The Voice” There is a voice inside of you That whispers all day long, “I feel that this is right for me, I know that this is wrong.” No teacher, preacher, parent, friend Or wise man can decide What’s right for you—just listen to The voice that speaks inside.

Favorite quote?

“Every blade of grass has an angel that bends over it and whispers, ‘Grow! Grow!’” —The Talmud

Author heroes?

Yuyi Morales, Jacqueline Woodson, Mauric Sendak, Liz Garton Scanlon, Kwame Alexander… and so many more!

Spookiest fact?

My mom and I are witches! I was born inside the amniotic sac with my eyes wide open. We learned that a birth this rare would have been punishable by death during the Salem Witch Trials.

Favorite writing spot?

The corner desk upstairs at Palo Alto’s Mitchell Park Library.

Biggest fear?

Clusters of small holes…. look up trypophobia, if you dare!

Biggest passion?

Amplifying voices that are not adequately represented in picture books and connecting children with stories that light them up.

What is your superpower?

The strength I gain from my relationships with my sisters: my sisters by birth, marriage and choice!