Today’s the day: the publication of my 24th book for young readers, Glitter Everywhere! Where It Came From, Where It’s Found & Where It’s Going (Charlesbridge Publishing).

Illustrated by Chaaya Prabhat, Glitter Everywhere! is a Junior Library Guild selection that’s received a starred review from Booklist and been called “an example of the best kind of nonfiction we’re making for kids in this day and age” by librarian Betsy Bird at A Fuse #8 Production.

Four and a half years in the making, this picture book draws from 155 sources covering everything from King Tut to Mardi Gras. Researching it took me from the craft supplies store in my neighborhood in Texas to the New Jersey State Library and involved a memorable email exchange with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration about whether edible glitter is considered food. (The answer: Sometimes!)

A special occasion like this one calls for a special giveaway, so folks used to my regular dispensing of four books per month are in for even more of a treat than the glitter cupcakes and glitter pancake syrup that I ate as part of my research:

Subscribers to my monthly Bartography Express newsletter (folks can sign up here) are eligible for one of ten signed and personalized giveaway copies of Glitter Everywhere!

If you’d like one of those winners to be you, by the end of July 2023 either say so in the comments below or email me directly, and you’ll be in the running. (U.S. mailing addresses only.)

(In case the prospect of bringing glitter into your classroom, library, or home gives you pause, you should know that this book has a wonderfully sparkly cover but does not contain any actual glitter. And should that be a disappointment, I bet you have the materials on hand to correct the situation…)

Whether you love glitter, hate glitter, or aren’t sure how you feel about the stuff, there’s something in this book for you. Here’s hoping that Glitter Everywhere! will inspire you to find your way to shine!