As the year winds to a close, I am mindful of a hundred thousand ways in which good fortune has smiled down on me: plenty of nutritious food and water; a comfortable home with heat, hot water, and electricity; a job that I love; freedom from fear; good health; the privileges of liberty; dear friends; … Read more

In 1991, fellow Center for the Study of Children’s Literature alum, J. Alison James, and Donovan launched Kindling Words, a weekend-long retreat for children’s literature professionals, with the aim of challenging published authors, illustrators, and editors of children’s books to hone their craft. Kindling Words has grown to hold two retreats per year, one on the … Read more

A huge thanks to The Silver Unicorn Bookstore in West Acton, MA for hosting me for a book reading and signing. If you haven’t yet visited this wonderful independent in the village, what are you waiting for? This shop, established just a few short years ago, is a bright space that features books for readers … Read more

Welcome to the new Reuben Hoar Library, a stunning new facility that opened its doors to the public on a crisp sunny Saturday. As part of the opening day festivities, I was honored to read A Hundred Thousand Welcomes aloud in the new children’s room, a place with light galore, colorful fixtures, a separate room … Read more

A Hundred Thousand Welcomes was the featured book for the “Story Walk” between the Littleton Public Library and the Russell Street school. What a great way to read a book, and what a fitting story to welcome folks to the new town library!

“A Hundred Thousand Welcomes is a beautiful look at how we welcome others into our lives and celebrate other people. The illustrations are brilliant, adding another layer to all the possibilities for conversations with children as you read this book.” – Beth Seufer Buss, Bookmarks, Winston-Salem, NC in Kids’ Indie Next, a publication of the … Read more

Curious about this website’s logo? It is original artwork created by Nathaniel Santoro.

In May 2022, Mary Lee Donovan celebrates 31 years of working at Candlewick Press, a children’s-only book publisher located in Somerville, Massachusetts. She is an Editorial Director, with a particular focus on the picture book, though she has been known to dabble across all genres. Highlights include: The best-selling Judy Moody and Stink series, written … Read more