GENRE: *Contemporary, Lyrical
WORDS: 425
Query:
Dear PBParty People,
I am pleased to share with you my 425-word picture book, WATCHING FROM THE STANDS. It combines the joy of hockey in The First Ones On the Ice (Lana Button / Alex MacAskill, 2024) with the importance of being patient in When You Have to Wait (Melanie Conklin / Leah Hong, 2024). This story captures the overlooked experience of the sibling on the sidelines and was inspired by my daughter’s unwavering support during my son’s hockey games.
Early, before the sun is fully awake, a child heads to the hockey rink with their family – snacks packed, blanket ready – to cheer on their older brother from the cold bleachers. While the game blurs past in skates, whistles, and flashes of color, the child counts lights, smushes crackers, and waits. They join in the clapping and hush when the crowd goes silent. The hour is long, the seats are hard, and the rules don’t always make sense, but being part of a team doesn’t always mean wearing a jersey.
I have a lyrical picture book that will be released in the Fall of 2028 with Gnome Road Publishing (yet to be announced). When I’m not writing children’s books (PB through MG), I work as a civil engineer and spend much of my time in cold hockey arenas with my two kids, all while navigating life with autism. I’m a member of SCBWI, Julie Hedlund’s 12×12 Picture Book Challenge, and several critique groups.
I have additional picture book manuscripts available upon request.
Thank you in advance for your time and consideration.
Excerpt:
The sun is still sleeping,
but we leave anyway.
My brother brings his stick.
I bring my snacks.
It’s hard to keep my eyes open,
and I miss my bed.
I yawn once.
Twice.
Three times.
[Art: hockey tournament sign at the arena]
The hard seat presses into my legs.
The cold air bites my nose.
Mom turns me into a burrito.
Did he win yet?
What inspired you to write this story & what do you have in common with it:
This story was inspired by my daughter, who has come with me to every one of my son’s hockey games for the past three years. While the action happens on the ice, I began to notice the quieter story unfolding in the stands – siblings cheering, waiting, snacking, coloring, and patiently sitting through game after game. My daughter’s experience made me realize that being a supportive sibling is its own kind of adventure. I wrote this story to celebrate those kids – the ones who show up, cheer loudly, and become an important part of the team in their own way.
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