It's Spring and the garden is exploding...

It's been a while, folks, and I have been very remiss in posting here. However, I have a good excuse. Two in fact!

April 16th, 2026 saw the release of Shell Yeah!: A New Shell for Heywood and a whirlwind of live events!

The launch was subtle--no event, just lots of announcements.

Due in part to the fact that I partnered with Author and Illustrator Cherisse Harris of Barbados, and Author Yolanda T. Marshall of Canada, to do a lovely live author and illustrator showcase. You may have seen the posts on social media about this! Offered free to several schools, we shared stories and live illustration demonstrations to approximately 400 students. The crowd was electric and asked so many questions...

Also, I participated in a story telling showcase for adults to help raise funds for the Kiwanis Club of Barbados - In Action and their literacy programs. A very successful evening and I think my story went over well as the only non-Bajan at the event. I may share that in a blog post once I decide if it's going to be published elsewhere or not...

The excitement continued as last week I visited St. Jude's Primary in St. George, Barbados, to spend a couple of hours again talking to them about the process of making a book and how many stages the illustrations go through! They had been at the showcase and wanted more so I obliged and again, the children were eager to learn. 

We discussed making their pets into illustrations using very simple shapes and the kids practiced later that afternoon! My WhatsApp was full of images from Mrs. Outram, sharing her children's artwork.

And then, we finished layout and have set up Poppy Puffin's Pastries for a June 14th launch!

So, never a dull moment in the garden!!

And there's some things moving and shaking on the personal side as well, so stay tuned for updates!

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