This Thanksgiving, let’s try something revolutionary…Skip the turkey. Yes, I said it. Gobble-free is the new gobble-gobble. Hear me out: lasagna never needs hours in the oven, never dries out, never requires an emergency gravy rescue. It just sits there, layered in cheesy glory, minding its business, asking for nothing except to be loved. And best of all? You won’t be stuck eating leftovers until December decides to pack up and leave. So this year, join me in giving thanks for stretchy pants, family, and the humble lasagna—the real hero we didn’t know we needed. Happy Thanksgiving!

I was part of Brian’s book launch team, and I won a PB critique. Yippee! Brian put so much effort into launching his book, and I’m sure the publisher was ecstatic. Kudos to the illustrator Jennifer Harney. I received an ARC for an honest review, and let me tell you, this book is hilarious. I ordered it and should receive it by December 4th in Italy.

Rules: write a 100-word Halloween story appropriate for children (children here defined as 12 and under) (title not included in word count) using the words wings, spell, and fog. Title: Scarecrow's First Halloween Party. 100 words by Eleanor A. Peterson On a foggy night, Maizey sighed. “Peckster, no Halloween invite for me.” “Maybe a mailbox would help.”

Why emotion? I enjoyed framing this woodpecker. My trail camera captured a European green woodpecker, its green feathers blending with the surroundings, searching for food in a pile of wood. It employs its lengthy beak to burrow into the earth, seeking ant colonies, and showcases an incredible skill in catching ants with its long, adhesive tongue. Green woodpeckers don’t drum on trees as much as other woodpecker species.

Here's my entry. Title: First Day Jitters The first day of middle school began with a mix of excitement and nerves. I longed for time to pause, even just once. Middle school filled me with dread. Every bend in the rural road brought back memories, vividly recalling past times. I remember the scent of spring flowers on the prairie. The wind whipped through my hair as I ran.

Oak tree On my recent adventure hunting for wild mushrooms, I stumbled upon a majestic oak tree, which I presume must have been at least 60-years-old. Feeling an instant connection, I hugged it, hoping that this beautiful giant would never be cut down. This tree is not just a remarkable sight; it plays a vital role in supporting biodiversity within its ecosystem.

Did you know snails are both boys and girls at the same time? That’s right—snails are super special! When two snails fall in love, they don’t rush things. Nope. They take their sweet, slimy time. They twirl, touch tentacles, and might even shoot tiny “love darts” (don’t worry, it’s not as weird as it sounds—it’s just a snail thing). After their snail smooch-fest, both of them can lay eggs!

🐍 “Ever seen eight cats point you to a viper? I did.” One afternoon, I peeked out the window to see all eight of my cats staring intently in the same direction. One brave soul even pawed at something in the grass. I thought they’d found a mouse or a nestling, so I rushed outside, ready to rescue it from my cats’ claws.

A bonus post (plus a fun video) in celebration of #kidlitzombieweek : Writing is a Language ART by Erin Dealey

Please note: forms will open up the Friday of Kidlit Zombie Week. So excited to see your pitches and pledges!

The Earth is our big, beautiful home. When we plant trees, clean up trash, and care for animals, we help it stay happy and healthy. You may be small, but your actions are mighty—just like a seed that grows into a tree! 🌱🌎💧 La Terra è la nostra grande e meravigliosa casa. Quando piantiamo alberi, raccogliamo i rifiuti e ci prendiamo cura degli animali, la aiutiamo a restare felice e in salute. Anche se sei piccolo, le tue azioni sono potenti—proprio come un seme che cresce e diventa un albero. 🌍🔥🦋

As buds bloom and birdsong fills the air, Easter reminds us that life stirs anew even after the quiet of winter. May your days be touched by the gentle magic of spring—sun-kissed mornings, wildflowers underfoot, and the promise of fresh beginnings. Wishing you peace, joy, and a season full of wonder.Happy Easter! Mentre i boccioli sbocciano e il canto degli uccelli riempie l’aria, la Pasqua ci ricorda che la vita rifiorisce anche dopo il silenzio dell’inverno.

Here's the link. Congratulations everyone and thank you Vivian Kirkfield and Co. for your hard work.

I planted this Trumpet vine in the late eighties, and let me tell you—if you don’t trim it every year, it will claim every inch of space like a true garden conqueror! But when spring arrives, it rewards the effort with a spectacular display of fiery orange blooms that hummingbirds and pollinators can’t resist. Trumpet vines (Campsis radicans) are known for their vigorous growth and resilience.

We all have that one thing we’d rather avoid—maybe it’s a trip to the dentist or waking up early. For Barnaby, it’s shearing day. Losing all that wool? No, thank you! So he runs for it as any reasonable sheep would do! Today, we’re chatting with Maria Antonia to learn more about Barnaby’s great escape, the inspiration behind the book, and why this runaway sheep will steal your heart.

Photo by Vincent M.A. Janssen on Pexels.com Every year, writers eagerly anticipate the #50PreciousWords contest hosted by Vivian Kirkfield. This challenge pushes authors to craft compelling stories in just fifty words—a true test of creativity, precision, and heart. But beyond the thrill of the contest itself, there’s something even more special about Vivian: her unwavering support for fellow writers and her dedication to getting books into the hands of children.

dav Here's a picture I took in 2016. It's perfect to introduce you to Barnaby the Runaway Sheep, a picture book by Maria Antonia that I loved reading. What happens when a sheep fears being sheared? It runs! 🏃‍♂️💨 But can it find its way back? I'm sharing this shepherd-and-sheep photo to celebrate the release of Barnaby the Runaway Sheep by Maria Antonia.

Photo by Karley Kosmos on Pexels.com Today, I picked up my grandchild from an after-school activity and casually asked if he had exchanged Valentine’s cards at school. To my surprise, he told me they don’t do that in Italy. I felt a pang of nostalgia for a moment, thinking back to my school days in Canada when kids would excitedly swap cards, tiny candy hearts, and handwritten notes filled with warm wishes.

The Valentine Rock Hunt by Eleanor A. Peterson 184 words After school, Tory and friends gathered near the riverbank to collect heart-shaped rocks for Valentine’s Day. Everyone scattered along the bank. “Let’s hurry before it gets dark,” said Herbert. Tory paced up and down the bank, overturning logs, searching under shrubs, hoping to find the perfect hearts. She hummed to herself but stopped when Sasha hollered.

Sharpen your pencils. Photo by Jess Bailey Designs on Pexels.com

dav dav Above ground, the ancient ruins bask in the sunlight, their stones standing as quiet witnesses to history. Below, hidden chambers and buried artifacts call to the dreamer in me—the thrill o…