Wow, y’all! This past week (or two) has been an amazing experience. After meeting so many enthusiastic young readers and hearing from so many incredible educators, I am filled with a great love for the bookish people of the world. I had so many incredible first time experiences, from attending the LA Times Festival of Books to author visits with over 400 students, and I learned so much.

I learned that book festivals are AMAZING events full of passionate readers!

I learned that Rebecca Stead and Leila Howland are both WONDERFUL humans.

I learned that everything is better with friends and family (and wine)!

I learned that cakes can look like books and taste AMAZING, too!

I learned that there are Good Cookies everywhere!

I learned that students are the most wonderful audience you will ever have.

I learned that I can answer book questions ALL DAY.

I learned that my local bookstore really IS the best place in the world.

I learned that launch parties are as much of a whirlwind as a wedding reception.

I learned that books come in cookie form, too!

I learned that I *can* sign names without miss-spelling them, even while people talk!And even though this first stretch of parties and book events is over, I’ve learned that the journey for Counting Thyme is just beginning. I love all of the pictures, letters, and messages I’m receiving. Keep them coming! Soon, I’ll share an opportunity for young readers to celebrate the theme from Counting Thyme of valuing what every individual brings to the world.

Thank you ALL for taking this ride with me! I can’t wait to see where we go next.