Lois Ehlert...forever her beautiful work and spirit will be a gift to me!

This is me, circa 2009-ish, with the incredible Lois Ehlert.

I was lucky enough to have met her twice. Here, the first time, I was crazy-gushing fan girl. I'm certain I may have scared her a little. (I will admit to having been this insane only four times in my life: When I met Kate DiCamillo, Katerine Applegate, Tony Diterlizzi [sorry again, Angela] and Lois!).

The second time, we presented at the same conference (unreal, right?!). During her presentation, she tried to talk a bit about "Hands," but her editor had to fill in the blanks when Lois became emotional — because the book was both a tribute to and a poignant reminder of Lois' parents. I was so touched by this moment. Even In her 80's, she was still so deeply her parents' loving, grateful daughter.

She also talked about her book "Ten Little Caterpillars." During the process of illustrating it, someone in the sales office posed the question, "Don't you think it might be a little too scary for children... with all the caterpillars 'disappearing' like that?"

Lois, in her typical humorous and matter-of-fact fashion, reportedly quipped back, "Oh, I don't think so. I think that children are well-aware that caterpillars lead a precarious existence."

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom was the first book — the first THING — I bought when I learned I was pregnant for the first time. Her work is forever tied with my memories of my own children and motherhood.

Her beautiful work and spirit will forever be a gift to me.

Rest In joy, Lois. I'm sure your parents were so happy to hug you again.

And, thank you for everything.

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She doesn't like pecans!

I let Quincy lick the bottom of my sundae cup.

She doesn’t like pecans. 🤷🏻‍♀️ (But she DOES like peanuts, almonds, cashews, walnuts, Brazil nuts, and hazelnuts… so, it’s weird, right?)

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Isn't she PERFECT?

Isn’t she PERFECT?!

I’m adding a little hidden fairy garden to my garden. I wanted a garden that represented everyone, and it’s so hard to find a dark-skinned fairy (!), but I searched — and finally found this sweet little one. Excited to introduce her to the rest of our fairies in the garden! ❤️❤️❤️

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Unicorns and Little Girls!

This little one, my nephew’s daughter, is the first girl in our family in about 25 years and we just adore her. 🥰 (So, you know, she just happened to be out walking around while wearing this dress when she spotted a unicorn… 😉)

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Such a Beautiful Tribute to Goodnight Goodnight Construction Site

Wonderful letter from a Mom about her son’s love for my books!

Hi, we met Mrs. Rinker at our school here in York today at Emmanuel-Faith, and my Kindergartener, Wyatt, asked to have her sign our copies of our Goodnight Goodnight Construction Site and Mighty Mighty Construction Site (yay! Thank you!). Since I'm blessed to work at the school as well, I showed her a picture of a mural my sister painted for my boys on our shed next to our sandbox back in 2013 as a 3rd birthday present for my oldest son, Clayton. My sister, Amy, used the artwork from one of their all time favorite books, Goodnight Goodnight Construction site as her inspiration, and Mrs. Rinker asked me to send it to her. :) It's a little worse for the wear all these years later, but my boys, Clayton, Reese and Wyatt, have played alongside it with their trucks for hours and hours. It's amazing how much a book can become a part of your life when it is so beloved! I'm so glad my boys and I all got to listen to her speak today!

Thank you so much for coming today and for your amazing books! They definitely helped my wild, truck crazy little boys nod off to sleep a time or two as well!

Krista Branz

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In Person???

Today, I GOT DRESSED (actual pants! With a zipper! And real shoes!), PUT ON MAKEUP AND DID MY HAIR, zipped my suitcase, got in an Uber and went to the airport to go to A. Real. Live. Book festival.

With actual people. In person.

I kid you not.

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