My Books
Was It a Cat I Saw?
Available now from Amicus Ink
Illustrated by Emma Lidia Squillari
“Budding palindrome enthusiasts will want to put this on their radar.” —Kirkus Reviews
Indigo | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Amazon Canada | Amazon US
about the book
Hannah loves palindromes. She even speaks in them! When Otto the cat runs away, Hannah and his owner go on a wordplay-filled quest to find him. But they, too, become lost. To get everyone home, Hannah will need a forward-and-backward-thinking solution. One thing’s for certain: She’s found a new friend—and if she ever asks his name, she’ll see just how well matched they are.
Written by debut picture book author Laura Bontje and illustrated by Emma Lidia Squillari, Was It a Cat I Saw? will delight readers who like their language silly and their friendships sincere.
When the Air Sang
Coming April 2025 from Annick Press
Illustrated by Sarah Whang
A gorgeous picture book about a young insect enthusiast who learns about the ever-mysterious cicada and how our curiosity about nature never truly goes away.
Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Amazon Canada | Amazon US
about the book
Annie is tired of waiting for the cicadas to finally appear: every day, they show hints of their upcoming arrival, but to her disappointment, they seem to be taking their sweet time coming out. As Annie’s anticipation builds to bursting, she is joined first by her great-grandmother, then her grandmother, then her mother―each of whom has her own cicada story to tell. When the magnificent insects finally appear and sing their incredible songs, Annie realizes some things are worth the wait.
This lovely picture book is perfect for amateur bug lovers and aspiring entomologists alike: alongside debut illustrator Sarah Whang’s stunning art, author Laura Bontje turns an ordinary backyard into a magical world filled with wonder. Readers will be swept away by their own curiosity as they explore all the fascinating things about nature just outside our doors.
Informative, expert-reviewed backmatter on cicadas provide further context on these fascinating creatures.
More to come!
Stay tuned for more exciting book news …
As an author, I am represented by James McGowan at BookEnds Literary Agency.