It’s here! My new picture book, Une bestiole à l’école, has finally arrived! I’m jumping for joy!

Une bestiole à l’école is my 20th children’s publication and, as luck would have it, it’s also the 20th book in the Clin d’oeil series published by Éditions de l’Isatis. How serendipitous, right? It also is the first book for my very talented illustrator Catherine Petit. I’m certain it won’t be her last!

I’d like to thank the entire team at Isatis for this wonderful new release. It’s a little gem, perfect for Spring, Summer and Fall!

This story holds a special place in my heart. I wrote it after I witnessed an extraordinary event – a good friend of my daughter’s (whom I’ve always admired for her love of all animals) was holding a large bug. As all the other children shrieked and fussed, she stayed calm and showed them why this insect was beautiful. Within seconds, the crowd had changed attitudes and the bug was safe. It was a perfect little life moment and I hope I’ve managed to do right by it in this gentle and loving story.

Already, I’m hard at work building a school visit about this book. I already have the giant version of the book (to make reading the story to large groups more fun) and I’m working on some fun bug-related activities about the importance of insects. Maybe a craft too. And for the more adventurous, I’m thinking of having a bug tasting. Who’s in? 🙂