The Things I Love follows a little boy and his mother who are looking through a cherished memory book at bedtime. What was the inspiration for your story?

I said “no” to my daughter when she was two or so, and it hurt her feelings. My mom said to me, “You’re her first love,” to which I responded in my head, “I loved her first.” I wrote the story about my daughter but happened to be pregnant with my son, so I decided to change the story to imagine what things he would love to do.

The book’s art is fantastic and really brings the memories to life. Can you tell me more about the collaboration process with illustrator Jenny Slife?

I had such a fun and fulfilling experience working with Jenny and continue to be grateful that she took a chance on me (and this book) when I reached out through Instagram. We would meet over zoom where she could show me sketches live and we could collaborate real-time on what we envisioned. I told Jenny I wanted it to be like the Adventure Book from the movie “Up,” and she delivered. The most exciting part of our collaboration was when we decided to have certain photos jump off the page as though the reader were experiencing it live.

What were some ideas that were important for you to share with children and their families in this book?

I realized after I wrote the book that “it’s really for the moms” (said with a chuckle), particularly that last page. Besides the depth of a mother’s love, what’s important is being in love with your own life – experiencing different activities, holding onto the memories, and growing along the way.

Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?

Actually, I hadn’t considered a series until this question – and I’m so glad you posed it! I’m happy to report that I have the girl edition already underway, and, of course, she has her own varied interests. I’m aiming for a 2025 publication date. I’m also working on the Spanish translation of The Things I Love, along with a separate book that discusses how love can be quite messy.

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