One of the joys of being a children's book writer is helping fellow writer friends celebrate. Last Saturday night we toasted Heather Lang's first-ever published book, QUEEN OF THE TRACK. This is the story of Alice Coachman, who became the first African American woman to win an Olympic gold medal. You can read more about Heather and her book on her website: http://heatherlangbooks.com The next day I headed over to Wellesley Books where Ammi-Joan Paquette was launching her new picture book, THE TIPTOE GUIDE TO TRACKING MERMAIDS. Joan, who's in my critique group, is a prolific writer as well as agent. You can read about her at: http://ajpaquette.com

Congratulations both of you!