"Once upon a time, when stones were soft and stars were bits of dust, I loved a monster...."
💜🌿🪺
#Willodeen @mackidsbooks.bsky.social #mglit

When I wrote #Willodeen, I wanted to show how one person can make a difference in our battle with climate change.

The book is fantasy, but the stakes are real. If young readers come away feeling empowered to fight for our planet, I'd be a happy author indeed. 💜🌿 @mackidsbooks.bsky.social

Of the many characters I've written, the one who is most like me—especially at that age—is #Willodeen.

Like Willodeen, I was shy. I loved spending time with animals. (For me, it was gerbils.) And I was trying to make sense of the world and find my place in it.

I loved writing her. 💜🌿

"Once upon a time, when stones were soft and stars were bits of dust, I loved a monster...."
💜🌿🪺
#Willodeen @mackidsbooks.bsky.social #mglit

#Willodeen is fantasy, but the stakes are real.

It’s a book about finding the bravery that lies within. It's about fighting for our beautiful planet and the ways we are all connected. And it's about how all of us—every individual—can make a difference. 💜🌿

@mackidsbooks.bsky.social #mglit

#Bookreview for Katherine Applegate’s #Willodeen. Even as an adult male, I loved this book. 5/5⭐️s

#Bookreview for Katherine Applegate’s #Willodeen as an adult male, I loved this book. 5/5⭐️s

If you're teaching #Willodeen or reading it with your family, I highly recommend @mackidsbooks.bsky.social's wonderful #GoGreenWithWillodeen kit. It includes a discussion guide, resources, and tips on becoming an eco-activist. 💜🌿

Download here: buff.ly/o3X7PXu

"The earth is old and we are not, and that is all you must remember . . ."
💜✨🌿🐗
#Willodeen @mackidsbooks.bsky.social

I'm sometimes asked which of my characters I most relate to.

My answer is #Willodeen. She's a lot like me when I was her age—I was shy, and I would have happily spent more time in nature than with people. (Instead of a hummingbear, I had gerbils.)

She was a very special character to write. 💜🌿

Crabs, cockatoos and ringtail possums: the wild things thriving in our cities From bees to burrowing owls, many species are adapting to urban environments and, with a little extra help from us, more could follow suit

Fascinating article here about urban wildlife and biodiversity in cities. My novel #Willodeen was partially inspired by some close encounters with coyotes in Los Angeles. 💜🌿 #SaveAllSpecies

If you're reading #Willodeen at home or in the classroom, I hope you'll check out the wonderful guide created by the Macmillan Children's School and Library team. It's a great resource for young readers to learn about biodiversity and environmental activism. 💜🌿

https://buff.ly/3FhliBw #mglit

Current read.
I did not realize what an amazing writer #KatherineApplegate is... I want to crawl inside this world she built... where's my hummingbear???
#Willodeen #Crenshaw #Wishtree #Odder

NEVER UNDERESTIMATE BOOKS WRITTEN FOR YOUNG READERS... Because this book speaks to my SOUL.