Dim the Moon is a dreamlike picture book in which moonlight awakens a rooster and the farm seeks slumber once more, reminding young readers that even the liveliest nights must come to rest. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

My rooster, General, was a funny fellow. I would hear him crow and think… The moon must be too bright. Have you ever stood by the window and looked out at a full moon? If you have, then you know what I mean. But I also felt reassured. I knew when he crowed that all was well on “the farm.” Even if it was the middle of the night. Then he’d settle down again and have his second sleep. Something my children often did when they were very small.

How did you approach the balance between whimsy and the underlying message about the importance of rest?

I wanted the words to be simple, so the illustrations could have a chance to speak. Dim the Moon is just as fun to look at as it is to read. A second bedtime story, for when our eyes and minds are too tired to focus on anything overly complicated, but we still need a minute or two to settle.

The illustrations are fantastic. Did you collaborate with an artist, or are they your own work?

I took my strengths as a photographer and created the illustrations. Popcorn kernels as fireflies, pickles, and watermelon made frogs. It was a treasure hunt, a quest of creativity, to find the perfect landscape and item to make my detailed illustrations. I carried a white piece of paper with me to use as a background for random leaves or grasses I might come across. A puzzle of cut and paste, repeated for hours. You’ll find a tiny hidden self-portrait, a signature in the eyes of the owl.

What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?

Children’s Picture Books:

Theodore Won’t Float Summer 2025

Pumpkin Surprise Fall 2025

Magic Makers Winter 2025

Friendship Feathers TBD

Just Too Sweet (Type 1 Diabetes) TBD

Young Adult:

Hearts on Paper Summer 2025

New Releases:

Hurricane Stew

Dim The Moon

Preorder:

The Gobblers (Nov. 25 2025 Clavis Publishing)

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