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!  

Dr. Molly Ness has a wonderful and important podcast centered around ending book deserts. I was lucky enough to be a recent guest. Listen here.