Bestselling Canadian Children's Author
Dear Emma,
Your unicorn is darling with its fancy tail bow. How big are unicorns, anyway? Are they the size of a horse, or more like a pony? Or a donkey? Or a small goat?
Today’s weather was so glorious, I almost think I saw a unicorn while walking my dog in our local woods. I hope you write a story about one. I’m sure your story would make unicorns feel very real to skeptics like me. Your drawing almost has me convinced!
Happy reading,
Jessica
Hi Jackson,
Thanks so much for your drawing of a cardinal, one of my favorite Canadian birds. Their gorgeous orange colour is a real standout against the deep green forest, and I do enjoy the variety of their songs and whistles. One of their calls sounds to me like the cardinal is asking, “Would you eat, would you eat, would you eat peas, peas, peas?”
That’s how I memorize bird songs. I make up words that I think they’re singing. I learned this trick from other birders. When I’m out in the woods, and I hear the question about the peas, I know there’s a cardinal nearby.
Happy reading,
Jessica
Dear Claire,
I will look for all your fantastic creatures this afternoon when I go for a walk with my dog Ivy in the woods. We walk everyday (unless it’s blowing rain) and although I haven’t come across a pixie yet, I’ll keep looking. Like you, I think the woods are magical, and whenever we spend time there, Ivy runs around like a speed demon. Perhaps that counts?
Happy reading,
Jessica
Dear Katie,
Both your letter and your drawing are so pleasantly descriptive of the place you like to read the most. I can easily imagine being there. It is so nice to see the scene out your window, and also the roller chair that you use at your desk.
I think everyone needs a big white bear to lean on as they read. Lovely!
Happy reading,
Jessica
Dear Melissa,
You’ve done a wonderful job drawing the cover of my latest novel, Clear Skies, about a boy in the 1960s who wants to become an astronomer.
I have good news for you. I did retire from my day job, but it was only so that I could write full time and publish more novels. I have another friend who is retiring today from a career she poured her heart and soul into for over thirty (!) years. Now she’s about to enter a new chapter of her life. Fingers crossed, I think she’s finally going to have the time to write, too, which is great because she’s a good writer.
“Clear skies” is what telescope operators say to each other for good luck. They don’t want clouds or fog blocking their view of the starry universe. So, I’m wishing both you and her clear skies.
Happy reading,
Jessica
PS I hope her colleagues throw her an enormous party after this pandemic is over.
PPS I hope she doesn’t base her characters on the folks she worked with, because we all know that any resemblance of characters to persons living or dead is NEVER purely coincidental.
Dear Fenix,
I chose your lovely letter today because of the trees you’ve drawn. I especially love the bluejays tucked into the highest limbs. I have some of those visiting my small backyard from time to time. Their calls sound like a squeaky clothesline to me.
I miss my daily walk in the local woods with my dog. I would write new stories in the morning, and then go for a walk with her to think about what I’d written, and I always came home with some new ideas and a happy dog. Now I’m spending way too much time inside, looking at my computer screen. I can’t wait to get back into the woods. Your drawing gives me hope.
Happy reading,
Jessica
