This year, I published my first book. It didn’t really hit me at the time of publication what a milestone that was or how significant, but it’s finally starting to sink in. The book has been fortunate to receive some lovely end-of-year attention:

• CBC Books included Maya in its Best Books of 2016 list.
• The Canadian Children’s Book Centre (CCBC) included it in its list of Best Books for Kids & Teens of 2016, as a Starred Selection no less.
• 49th Shelf selected it as a Picture Book of the Year.
• And, as already mentioned, Kirkus included it in its Best Picture Books of 2016 and Best Picture Books of 2016 About Family lists.

I am grateful to end the year on a positive note. The world is quaking a bit, but stories continue to offer solace.