The Sharing Book

Posted on 07/30/2023

Holiday House/Margaret Ferguson Books | 978-0823443475

 

Earlier this month, my newest, THE SHARING BOOK, arrived on bookstore shelves. It’s a book inspired by my friendship with 7 other women who, among their many talents, are also writers. We met 18 years ago at Vermont College of Fine Arts, and we’ve been friends ever since.

In the years following graduation, we’ve gathered on both sides of the country and places in between. We write together, talk together, cook together, and share the things happening in our daily lives. We also celebrate — first books, grandbabies, moves to new homes, and our latest adventures.

In one conversation, sometime after the sale of Stephanie Parsley Ledyard’s first book, PIE IS FOR SHARING (illo. by Jason Chin) but before the book was published, we were gathered on the porch and one of us (I couldn’t remember who, but it turns out it was Stephanie Greene, author of over 30 books) said “Laps are for sharing.” Although those words aren’t actually in the book, the inspiration for the story began there, right there, sitting on the porch with good friends. At the time I promised that, if I were able to write this idea into a manuscript that sold, I would dedicate the book to these dear friends. And so, their names are included on the final page.

It took months to settle on the 225 words that would eventually become this book, but I couldn’t be more pleased with the way it turned out. My hope — when you read it — is that you’ll feel the same spark of joy that I did when I shared it with kids for the very first time.

CLICK TO ENLARGE Storytime at Changing Hands Bookstore

As I’ve said, more than once on social media, I adore Simone Shin‘s illustrations and the world of friends and family she created. Aren’t they sweet?

CLICK TO ENLARGE © TEXT by Dianne White, illustrations by Simone Shin

Friends and family. These are the things that matter.

CLICK TO ENLARGE © TEXT by Dianne White, illustrations by Simone Shin

I hope you’ll buy or request THE SHARING BOOK from your library and, if you’re willing, leave a review in all the places (Goodreads, Barnes and Noble, Amazon). These are some of the best ways to bring a book to a young reader’s, parent’s or caregiver’s, teacher’s or librarian’s attention. (Many thanks in advance!)