“In This Classroom is my teacher heart in a book.”
Thanks for joining us, Andrew. We learned about your work when we read an article about you, “Instilling Positivity,” in Salve Regina University’s recent Report from Newport magazine. Let’s start with your latest book, In This Classroom, illustrated by esteemed artist Arthur Lin and published in June. Please give us an overview.
In This Classroom is my teacher heart in a book. It is a heartwarming celebration of the school year, capturing the joy, struggles, and growth of students and teachers as they embark on an unforgettable journey of learning, friendship, and personal achievement.
Kirkus gave it a great review, stating that In This Classroom is “comforting for the timid, empowering for the anxious, affirming for students and teachers alike.” Break that down for us.
What I wanted to accomplish in this book was to give an honest look at school, which includes the hard parts and setbacks. The book acknowledges all of the challenges that can take place, but also reassures that the students will be supported and overcome those challenges as they grow along the way.
For the timid and the anxious, In This Classroom gives a glimpse into what they can expect at school, helping ease those worries and making the idea of going or returning to school a little less daunting.
According to the book’s description, In This Classroom “is not just for students–it’s for teachers too.” How so?
In addition to helping students feel comfortable about school, In This Classroom also makes an incredible teaching resource for teachers. It can be used to lay the foundation for the classroom community they want to build together with their students. The final pages of the book offer ideas for teachers on how they can incorporate In This Classroom not just at the beginning of the school year, but all year long. To support teachers and their use of the book I also created a series of FREE resources which are all available on my website.
In addition to writing, you are also a teacher. What grade? And do your students give you ideas for your books?
I have been a second grade teacher for about 20 years now. While none of the ideas for my published books have come from my students, there are plenty of works in progress and ideas in my notebook that have come directly from our classroom interactions together.
We understand that you grew up in Rhode Island. When did you first become interested in writing?
Yes, I grew up in Warwick. My first memories of writing go back to Robertson Elementary School. I remember in 4th grade making hard cover books by covering cardboard in wallpaper. We also ran a news show where I was able to interview local author Natalie Babbit. At the time I do not think I realized what a big deal that was. Later on I remember writing pages and pages and pages of a story inspired by Chris Van Allsburg’s The Mysteries of Harris Burdick as a school assignment. During these times though, I don’t think I ever thought to myself, “I want to be an author.”
Then in high school at Toll Gate and again in college at Salve Regina, I had assignments to write a children’s book. I believe these were the first instances of my thinking this might be something I wanted to try to accomplish at some point in my lifetime.
What writers inspired you?
Jane Yolen’s Owl Moon has been a huge inspiration on my lyrical style. Additionally, I admire Chris Van Allsburg, Corey R. Tabor, Antwan Eady, Chris Baron, and Kaz Windness, just to name a few. I am constantly inspired by the beautiful work creators are putting out and it motivates me to push myself and my craft as I continue writing.
What were some of your favorite books growing up?
I remember teetering down the steps of my home with a stack of Dr. Seuss books ready to ask my parents to read them all to me. Other favorites included Could Be Worse by James Stevenson and If You Give A Mouse A Cookie by Laura Numeroff and illustrated by Felicia Bond.
You are a graduate of Salve Regina University. What was your major?
I majored in elementary education with a minor in special education.
Back to your books. You recently discussed In This Classroom on a podcast. Who interviewed you and how did they find your work?
I have been lucky to be featured on a few podcasts over the last couple of years. This one is called You May Contribute a Verse and it is hosted by fellow picture book authors, Josh Monken and Brenna Jeanneret. The kidlit community is wonderfully supportive and I am fortunate to have been friendly with Josh and Brenna for a number of years. Their podcast is incredible and I recommend it to anyone with an interest in picture books or writing for kids.
Your Instagram account lists upcoming books. Can you give us a snippet about each, starting with In Our Family, due next year?
In Our Family releases from Red Comet Press on February 2, 2027 and it is gorgeously illustrated by Charlotte Ager. In Our Family is a heartfelt and inclusive picture book about what it truly means to be a family. In Our Family captures the everyday moments and big emotions that shape who we are, from laughter and messes to distance and togetherness, honoring the many ways families grow, change, and stay connected no matter what. I hope that it will be a reassuring reminder that every family is different, and every family belongs.
Squirrel & Turtle: This Book Has Big Words, due in 2028?
I am thrilled to pair up with illustrator Kaz Windness again for this book. Kaz illustrated my debut picture book, Ollie, the Acorn, and the Mighty Idea and since then we have become wonderful friends.
Squirrel & Turtle is an early reader publishing with Simon Spotlight. In it we meet Squirrel who loves books. And Turtle who loves Squirrel. But Turtle does not love Squirrel’s books and the idea of BIG words has Turtle hiding in his shell. But with patience and understanding, Turtle learns to love reading. After all, what is better than a good book with a good friend? Short vowel words, sight words, simple sentences, and humorous misunderstandings are the foundation of this early reader perfect for entertaining and building confidence in the earliest readers while introducing common word families.
And One Word, also due in 2028?
I am beyond excited for this book to be out in the world. It is illustrated in the most amazing way by Kirk Parrish and publishing with Red Comet Press. Through metaphors of fire and water, One Word explores one child’s experience navigating childhood social dynamics and the immense power just one word has on their feelings of self-worth and the actions and attitudes of others. It is a story about self esteem, bullying, and finding belonging.
You have three children of your own: “My own 3 cherubs and their shenanigans provide more joy and sparks for ideas than I can keep up with,” as you write on your website. Tell us a bit more, please.
My children have grown up a bit since I first wrote those words for my website, but both my memories of their younger years as well as our daily interactions continue to inspire me and inform my writing.
Ollie, the Acorn, and the Mighty Idea was inspired by a conversation we had in our backyard about what would happen if they ate a watermelon seed.
My second book, Curlilocks & the Three Hares was inspired by my daughter’s dislike of her curly hair when she was younger.
And my third book, Hope and the Sea pulled inspiration from our family trips to Cape Cod and beaches in RI.
Your Instagram account has a video for students heading back to school soon. It can be watched here.
Anything we missed?
I think that covers everything! Thanks so much for this opportunity to share a bit about my journey and my books. I appreciate it!
