I’m a writer and illustrator of picture books who is always seeking magic in the world around me. I love to daydream, wander, wonder, and get lost in nature as much as possible. I’m also an avid reader of books that celebrate the natural world, animals, and imagination. Happy reading!
I wrote...
Do You Believe in Unicorns?
By
Bethanie Deeney Murguia
What is my book about?
Is believing in magic the key to seeing a unicorn? If you keep your eyes open to wonder, the possibilities are endless. Look closely as you read. Is that a horse wearing a hat? It’s definitely not a unicorn in disguise—that would be ridiculous, right? It’s probably just a horse that’s having a bad hair day. Or trying to keep the sun out of its eyes. Follow it long enough, and maybe you’ll finally know for sure. It’s all a matter of perspective in this story about seeing magic in the everyday.
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The Books I Picked & Why
This Is Sadie
By
Sara O’Leary,
Julie Morstad
Why this book?
Sadie sees possibility everywhere she goes. She transforms boxes into ships, lives inside stories, and (of course) she has wings. This book is filled with imagination and the best kind of play. Plus, there are foxes and wolves! Horses! Mermaids! I want to be Sadie when I grow up.
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Frederick
By
Leo Lionni
Why this book?
Frederick is a classic that continues to speak to me. Frederick is a creative mouse who gathers beauty from the world—he’s a daydreamer and a poet. His talents aren’t appreciated by the other mice at first. By the end of the story, though, they realize that his talents are essential to their survival. I love how this book celebrates creativity and difference.
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If You Want to See a Whale
By
Julie Fogliano,
Erin E. Stead
Why this book?
This is a book about the importance of looking and wondering. It speaks to patience while seeking magic—in this case, a whale. It’s beautifully illustrated in wood block carvings that echo the quiet, meditative quality of the text. It perfectly captures the simple pleasures of looking and the sublime joy of discovery.
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On a Magical Do-Nothing Day
By
Beatrice Alemagna
Why this book?
On a Magical Do-Nothing Daycelebrates nature, weather, and all that can be found outside and just beyond a screen. The main character, at first, is distraught about the prospect of a rainy day spent without her video game. But it takes very little time for her to become immersed in the world outside her door, finding magic at every turn.
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They All Saw a Cat
By
Brendan Wenzel
Why this book?
This book speaks beautifully to perspective. It’s a fantastic reminder that we all view the world through our own lenses. Throughout the story, a cat is seen from many different viewpoints. A child sees a cuddly creature. A dog sees a suspicious creature. A mouse sees a terrifying creature. It’s a truly satisfying read and great conversation starter.