Why am I passionate about this?

I have always loved hearing laughter from kids or adults. Most of my books are steeped in funny! Even the toughest challenges are easier if you can find a way to laugh. Now, as a grandmother, I reach for the books that will bring out the giggles. I’ve been published since 2000 and writing for kids is my dream job.  I’ve been happily married for more than 37 years with two married kids and a perfect granddaughter. I’m a former middle school teacher. Humor made it possible for me to enjoy that life and build a great relationship with my students. I also love playing ukulele and acting. 


I wrote

Book cover of How I Became a Pirate

What is my book about?

In this New York Times bestseller illustrated by Caldecott Honor-winning illustrator David Shannon, a boy sets off on a pirate…

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The books I picked & why

Book cover of Creepy Carrots!

Melinda Long Why did I love this book?

Jasper Rabbit couldn’t get enough carrots until they started following him home. What could be funnier than the “soft sinister tunktunktunk of carrots creeping” and “terrible carroty breathing?” Jasper sees creepy carrots everywhere…but he’s a pretty sharp rabbit. He figures out just how to save the day!  My granddaughter requests this book over and over because it’s just so much fun. She loves to “read” it with me and giggles at the hilarious artwork. 

By Aaron Reynolds, Peter Brown (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Creepy Carrots! as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 4, 5, 6, and 7.

What is this book about?

In this Caldecott Honor-winning picture book, The Twilight Zone comes to the carrot patch as a rabbit fears his favorite treats are out to get him.

Jasper Rabbit loves carrots-especially Crackenhopper Field carrots.
He eats them on the way to school.
He eats them going to Little League.
He eats them walking home.
Until the day the carrots start following him...or are they?
Celebrated artist Peter Brown's stylish illustrations pair perfectly with Aaron Reynold's text in this hilarious picture book that shows it's all fun and games...until you get too greedy.


Book cover of The Book with No Pictures

Melinda Long Why did I love this book?

It’s all verbal with this one. The fonts are funny too, though. “Everything the words say, the person reading the books has to say.” Can you possibly say blork and bluurf out loud without laughing? What about ba-dooongy face or my head is made of blueberry pizza? Just try it. Fun, fun, fun!  

By B.J. Novak,

Why should I read it?

5 authors picked The Book with No Pictures as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

This innovative and wildly funny read-aloud will be the Must Have book of the season. You might think a book with no pictures seems boring and serious. Except...here's how books work. Everything written on the page has to be said by the person reading it aloud. Even if the words say...BLORK. Or BLUURF. Even if the words are a preposterous song about eating ants for breakfast, or just a list of astonishingly goofy sounds like BLAGGITY BLAGGITY and GLIBBITY GLOBBITY.


Book cover of The Monster at the End of This Book (Sesame Street)

Melinda Long Why did I love this book?

Okay, we all know who the monster at the end of this book really is but come on: it’s all in the journey!  Please don’t turn that page! “Maybe you do not understand. There is a monster at the end of this book!” Too funny to resist. Who doesn’t love doing the Grover voice? Just watch your little one reach for that page and enjoy the giggles.

By Jon Stone, Michael Smollin (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked The Monster at the End of This Book (Sesame Street) as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The Monster at the End of This Book is a classic, adored by toddlers and adults alike. This collectible kit includes a mini book version of The Monster at the End of this Book, featuring the full text and illustrations from the original classic story, and a plush Grover backpack clip. Journey with lovable, furry old Grover to the end of the book to discover who the monster really is!

Lovable, furry old Grover is distressed to learn that there's a monster at the end of this book! He begs readers not to turn the pages, but of course kids…


Book cover of No, David!

Melinda Long Why did I love this book?

David Shannon first wrote and illustrated this book when he was very young. When he rewrote it as an adult, he only added a few words but the results are outrageously funny. My favorite line and illustration, “Come back here, David!” is complete with a naked behind racing down the street. Words and pictures are sure to evoke a riot of giggles.

By David Shannon (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked No, David! as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

David's mom always said no! No,no,no. No,David! is Shannon's delightfully illustrated book of all the naughty things he used to get told off for as a child. Follow David as he jumps on his bed, walks mud through the house and breaks plant pots.


Book cover of The Wonky Donkey

Melinda Long Why did I love this book?

This book is a word-play carnival. (The donkey) “was quite tall and slim and he smelled really bad. He was a stink-dinky, lanky, honkey-tonky, winky wonky donkey.”  If you can say that without laughing, you need more coffee. Your kids will love it as much as you do. Check out the sequels, too.

By Craig Smith, Katz Cowley (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked The Wonky Donkey as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 2, 3, 4, and 5.

What is this book about?

The Wonky Donkey picture book has sold over two million copies worldwide - it's the perfect gift! Who ever heard of a spunky hanky-panky cranky stinky-dinky lanky honky-tonky winky wonky donkey? This hilarious book will have children - and adults - braying with laughter! Lyrical, laugh-out-loud story and beautiful illustrations Bright colours and a shiny, glossy cover 


Explore my book 😀

Book cover of How I Became a Pirate

What is my book about?

In this New York Times bestseller illustrated by Caldecott Honor-winning illustrator David Shannon, a boy sets off on a pirate adventure—with surprising results!

When a pirate ship sails by, young Jeremy learns how to say “scurvy dog,” sing sea chanteys, and throw food...but he also learns that there are no books or good night kisses on board: “Pirates don’t tuck.” A swashbuckling adventure with fantastically silly illustrations.

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Book cover of What Walks This Way: Discovering the Wildlife Around Us Through Their Tracks and Signs

Sharman Apt Russell Author Of What Walks This Way: Discovering the Wildlife Around Us Through Their Tracks and Signs

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Why am I passionate about this?

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What is my book about?

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What is this book about?

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The nature writer Sharman Apt Russell tells stories of her experiences tracking wildlife-mostly mammals, from mountain lions to pocket mice-near her home in New Mexico, with lessons that hold true across North America. With wit and compassion, she guides readers through…


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