Author Archive

Homebound Letter 9 – April 10, 2020   Dear Dads of Stuck-at-Home Students:   A few weeks before the world changed, I spoke at a community event in Linn, Oregon. The woman in charge of the event was very smart and very ambitious. She knew that families on the working class side of Linn

Homebound Letter 8 – April 7, 2020   Dear Writers (and anyone willing to listen):   When it comes to books, I’ve never been a big believer in happy endings. But I do believe in hopeful endings. This distinction has guided every story I’ve ever told. And every talk I’ve ever given. And every

Homebound Letter 7 – March 30, 2020   Dear Stuck-at-Home Student:   I’ve been thinking a lot about wishes.   Every afternoon my family and I take one long walk through our neighborhood for exercise. My almost-two-year-old son is in the stroller, usually eating blueberries. My almost-six-year-old daughter is on the buddy board that

Homebound Letter 6 – March 27, 2020   Dear Stuck-at-Home Students:   Did you know I wrote to your parents on Wednesday? The past couple weeks have been a big challenge for so many people out there. Including me. So I asked for a little advice. And wow! I was amazed by all the

Homebound Letter 5 – March 25, 2020   Dear Parents and Caregivers of Stuck-at-Home Students:   This letter is a little different. Instead of writing to students today, I’m writing to parents. Many of you are exhausted. Just like my wife and I are exhausted. When we put our two children down at the

Homebound Letter 4 – March 23, 2020   Dear Stuck-at-Home Student:   Before I begin, I have some exciting news. This Wednesday illustrator Loren Long and I are going to do a special Instagram Live session about our book LOVE. I will read the book, and Loren will talk about the art. Then we

Homebound Letter 3 – March 20, 2020   Dear Stuck-at-Home Student:   Hi, my name is Matt de la Peña, and I write books. Usually I’m out on the road, visiting schools. Or I’m working on a new book. But right now I’m staying at home with my family. You probably are, too. Since

Homebound Letter 2 – March 18, 2020   Dear Stuck-at-Home Student:   Hi, my name is Matt de la Peña, and I write books. Usually I’m out on the road, visiting schools. Or I’m working on a new book. But right now I’m staying at home with my family. You probably are, too. Since

Homebound Letter 1 – March 17, 2020   Dear Stuck-at-Home Student:   Hi, my name is Matt de la Peña, and I write books. Usually I’m out on the road, visiting schools. Or I’m working on a new book. But right now I’m staying at home with my family. You probably are, too. Since

We are in a golden age of picture books. I was honored to be asked to talk about some of my favorite on NPR this week. To listen to the interview click here!