SPLASH
INTO SUMMER...
Eleven-year-old Anthoni has always wanted a True Blue Friend, and this summer at Thunder Lake, she has a foolproof checklist for finding one. But as she grows entangled in rumors about the Boulay Mermaid, Anthoni must decide if she’ll “stick to the plan,” like always, or dive into a summer full of extraordinary possibilities.
A summer romp full of mystery, new friends, and maybe a mermaid!
MAYBE A MERMAID ACTION STEPS:
behind the scenes
I made up everything that happens in Maybe a Mermaid, but some things are based on real life…
THE SHOWBOAT
I grew up near a famous resort with a boat-shaped building: The Showboat Lounge. Vaudeville actors and movie stars used to stay and perform here.
WATERSKIING
Anthoni’s mom can ski like a superhero. Guess what? So can my dad! As a kid, he was on the Plum Ski-ters water ski team (“skeeters” = mosquitoes in Wisconsin)
THE SAUCER
Wondering what a saucer looks like in real life? It’s a flat, round, piece of wood you can lay, kneel, or stand on. My brother used to show off and do 360s.
THE X-MEN
Like Anthoni, I love X-Men too. My favorite characters are Magneto, Rogue, and Wolverine. But my latest comic-book obsession is Ms. Marvel!
my story
I wrote my first songs and stories at a tiny yellow desk with a pink chair. I wrote book after book, stapling together pages from old invoice pads or receipt books that my dad would bring home from work. I illustrated my books. I gave them away as gifts. There was no doubt in my mind that when I grew up, I would have a house filled with books and I would write and sing all day.
And guess what? It’s not so far from the truth!
Today, I write fiction for kids, teach one-on-one music lessons, give school presentations, and help guide elementary school students through the process of composing their own songs, stories, and poetry. It’s pretty much the best job in the universe!
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS [coming soon!]
news
Bookmail from Kids!
2019 Debut Author Interview
bee in touch
- For review copies, school visits, or other event requests, please contact Macmillan Children’s Publicity: childrens.publicity(at)macmillanusa.com
- For rights inquiries, please contact John Cusick at Folio Literary: john(at)foliolit.com