In Hello, My Name Is Harper, a nervous little bunny beginning first grade whose fears are eased by a kind teacher and a welcoming group of classmates. Where did the idea for this book come from? 

The idea for this book came from my own experiences with the precious children in my life. Starting something new can feel overwhelming, especially for children who may be a bit shy or unsure, but don’t yet have the words to describe how they are feeling. Through Harper young readers are gently reassured that new experiences aren’t so scary after all, and sometimes they can even be fun!

Where did the inspiration for Harper’s traits and dialogue come from?

The inspiration for Harper’s traits and dialogue came from a desire to show young readers it’s okay to feel unsure. Having courage doesn’t mean not being scared, but to take a step anyway. Also a reminder that kindness both from others and toward ourselves makes all the difference in new beginnings.

I really enjoyed the artwork in this book. Can you tell us a little about your collaboration with illustrator Leanne Falcinelli? 

 Leanne Falcinelli’s illustrations brought Harper’s world to life in the sweetest way.

From the start, she understood the gentle tone and emotional heart of the story.

We worked closely on things like character expressions and classroom settings to make sure every detail felt warm and welcoming. Leanne has such a talent for visual storytelling, and she truly captured the spirit of Harper.

What is the next book young readers can look forward to seeing from you? What are you currently working on? 

We are excited to be working on a new series that brings each of Harper’s classmates into the spotlight. Each book will explore a different emotion through that character’s perspective, using animals as a way to make those feelings more relatable and fun for young readers. 

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