As we reach the end of the first half of 2025, I must say it has been an eventful and mostly positive year! I’m writing this blog post from a cabin in Overgaard, Arizona, nestled in the mountains near the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. It’s a welcome cooler escape from Tucson, which my horse, Poncho, is thoroughly enjoying.
My horse Poncho and his BFF Boogie are currently in portable stalls in the yard. Being a morning person, I love getting up early, feeding them, and then enjoying my own breakfast as we all share our mealtime together.
I’m able to enjoy a few days of mountain riding because the festival season slows down during the summer months in Arizona. Many of the “snowbirds” and “rainbirds” have returned north. Still, I have plenty of book business to attend to: marketing my current titles and, of course, writing new ones! In fact, I have six books currently in the works and even more in preparation.
Awards and Accolades: A Spring to Remember
March was particularly busy with festivals, including the Tucson Festival of Books and the Oro Valley Marketplace Spring Festival. However, this March was most noteworthy because I received two unexpected awards! I was thrilled to be notified by the Pima County Public Libraries that they had selected my book, Dinosaurs Roamed Arizona, as a “Best of the Southwest 2025”! This incredible honor was followed by receiving the prestigious Judy Goddard Award for Children’s Literature. While I was unfamiliar with Libraries, Ltd., before receiving their honor, I am incredibly impressed and grateful for their impactful work.
I also enjoy contributing to the poetry scene, especially with the Arizona State Poetry Society and the Tucson Poetry Society. I’ve learned so much about poetry from the extremely talented poets who are members. My own journey into poetry began with the rhyming stanzas of my science-based picture books. A few of the member poets consistently keep me humble with their exquisite rhyming ability, and I truly strive to reach their level. These wonderful people honored me with a donation in my name to the University of Arizona Poetry Center. The UA Poetry Center is a fabulous place that I highly recommend visiting, even if you don’t think you like poetry. They also boast an extensive collection of poetry for children. Of course, I enthusiastically donated copies of my rhyming picture books to their collection!
From Page to Screen: Curtis Curly-tail’s Big Break!
In early April, I had a truly once-in-a-lifetime, life-changing experience. The Guam International Literacy Association hosted me for a book tour of Guam! I had the incredible opportunity to read my book, Guam: Return of the Songs, 22 times in just six days. Usually, I had someone read the CHamoru translation along with me, which was a wonderful collaborative experience. The children and adults were incredibly welcoming, with students enthusiastically singing welcome songs. Most importantly, they asked insightful questions, demonstrating their genuine care for their island and its precious ecosystems.
Another incredibly exciting development in my life is that Luck Dragon Media Animation Company has selected my very first character, Curtis Curly-tail, to star in a 30-minute animated movie! It’s a coming-of-age story with important environmental overtones. The evil antagonist is a Cane Toad, an invasive species in many parts of the world. This movie is currently scheduled for release next spring. If all goes well, we hope this will be the first of many Curtis Curly-tail movies! You can learn more about the project and even contribute to its success here.
I’m closing out the first half of 2025 with some engaging summer camp talks and, of course, spending quality time with my horses. I can’t wait to see what the second half of the year holds!
Want to embark on an adventure with Curtis Curly-tail or explore the wonders of the Sonoran Desert? Discover all my books and educational resources on my website!