Jess Keating's Blog, page 6

Blobfish Poetry, Valentines, and other things that make me happy-cry

It’s not everyday you get to wake up to Valentine cards for blobfish.

In my time as an author (and throughout my life as a reader!), I’ve seen firsthand the generosity of booksellers, teachers, and librarians. You’d think I’d be used to it by now! But no, they never cease to amaze me!

When Kenny Brechner from DDG Booksellers got in touch with me about his Valentine’s Day for Blobfish contest, I was overjoyed. As I mention in PINK IS FOR BLOBFISH, my dear friend Mr. Blobby (his official name)...

A SharpSchu Book Club Pick!

Hey lovely nerds!

I’m so happy to announce that PINK IS FOR BLOBFISH was chosen to be a #SharpSchu Book Club pick for March! And to top it off, it’s paired up with Julie Falatko’s SNAPPSY THE ALLIGATOR!

I’ve known and lovedColby and Johnny for a long time now, and everyone who follows them knows just how passionate they are about books and reading. They are true superstars, who work tirelessly to get kids reading, and being a part of a SharpSchu party is really a dream come true. I can’t wait...

Blobfish Love!

It’s official! PINK IS FOR BLOBFISH is out in the wild! Swimming (very slowly) around bookshelves everywhere!

I wanted to thank you all for all of the incredible support you’ve shown for this book already—I’ve received so many happy emails, tweets, pictures and messages—it’s enough to make a blobfish swoon!

When I first had the idea for this book, it hit me all at once, and I could immediately see how quirky and fun it could be for kids. I’m so fortunate that my brillianteditor (Katherine Har...

Nerding out with Matthew Winner at All the Wonders!

Hey party people!

We are officially 3 days away from the release of PINK IS FOR BLOBFISH! I can’t believe how quickly time has flown by—it seems like only yesterday I was writing this book and researching creatures, and soon it will be wild in the world. I hope you enjoy it!

And what better way to celebrate a book’s release than by having a party podcast with one of your favorite people? Matthew Winner is a book nerd of the highest order, and the minute we started connecting I knew he was a k...

Introducing a new Youtube channel!

Hello my cheeky monkeys!

I wanted to share a fun new thing I’ve been working on lately. If you follow me online or read any of my books, you know I’m a huge fan of animals and science. In particular, I love educating people about the incredible marvels of the natural world. I grew up watching Kratts Creatures, Jeff Corwin, and of course, Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter. (Sidenote: we need more wildlife shows featuring women! More on that in a minute.)

Severalmonths ago, I found myself wonde...

SHARK LADY news, links, and more!

Friends! I have some amazing news to share with you! Feast your eyes on my blurrypic!

YESSSSSS.

Guys, this book—this amazing woman—means so much to me. Sometimes book ideas come to you slowly, like tiny drops of water that slowly fill a cup. But sometimes, they show up as a waterfall, raining down on you so quickly that you can’tnotwrite the thing that very second.

Eugenie Clark’s story popped into my life in a blink, and instantly I knew I had to tell the world about this incredible pers...

Space Poop!

Hello my cheeky monkeys!

Nothing says Monday like learning about space poop. When I came across this graphic from the International Space Station, I knew I had to share it. Especially because it mentions space poop. Have you ever wondered what happens to astronauts’ bodies in space? Do they have to exercise? Check out this fun link for the answers, and learn why poop becomes shooting stars.

And some quick updates! I’ve got some awesomenews to share soon!But first, I’m starting some new #Keati...

Special Delivery: Giant Squid

How does a giant squid get from the ocean to your favorite museum? LET’S FIND OUT.

As you’ve probably figured out, I’m a HUGE museum nerd. I recently discovered a wonderful webseries produced by the American Museum of Natural History called SHELF LIFE. I’ve always been fascinated with giant squid (okay, obsessed is probably a better word for it) so when I came across this video I knew I had to share it. In it, we see all kinds of behind-the-scenes info on how museums work, how new specimens a...

Happy News!

Whoa! Did anyone else just blink and find that JUNE is here?!

I’ve been buried in drafting lately, but I wanted to share some happy stuff from the last few weeks!

In May, I got to attend the OLA’s Forest of Reading program, and their annual Red Maple Award ceremony. I was nominated along with some amaaaazing authors, and got to spend several daysmeeting readers, signing books, and doing my best not to embarrass myself in front of awesome, inspiring folks like Kenneth Oppel. I was absolutely b...

Reader Mail!

Hey guys! Happy Spring!

Last month, I participated in my very first World Read Aloud Day by Skyping with amazing readers in classrooms all over the place. It was incredible, and it was easy to feel the booklove and enthusiasm through the screen.

Connecting with readers is one of my favorite parts of being an author, and it’s extra special when I get to see beautiful creations from the students’ themselves. I wanted to share some with you today!

Check out this beauty, from Kelly Spector’s kids...