The talented young illustrator for my Not Really picture book series, Karina Matkevych, lives in Ukraine. The last I heard from her, she said, “We have our emergency packs ready.” The second book in the Not Really series, The Terrible Day (Not Really): Let’s Count by Twos, to be illustrated by Karina, is on indefinite hold, and rightly so.

Why now? We’ve just come through one crisis. The entire world has worked together to conquer a virus that killed millions. The planet has cooperated in unprecedented ways. And it appears to be doing so again to support Ukraine. What if this global effort represents a reduction, a change, maybe even an end to war as we know it? I am keeping Karina, her family, and her country in my thoughts.

Greetings! Hoping you are well and enjoying the pace of life as it starts to pick up for the holidays. Books for children are, as I’m sure you know, a gift that can last their lifetime.

My new picture book, Good Night (Not Really) is great fun and teaches little ones how to count forward AND backward. There’s also a surprise ending! (It’s really a good morning book.) So, if you have little ones in your life who are learning to count, this might the perfect addition to their library.

Here’s what others are saying . . .

Fantastic book! My little ones LOVE this book (ages 2 & 3)! It’s a mix of learning to count, engaging illustrations, and super sweet descriptions. My girls giggle every time we get to the part where it isn’t ACTUALLY a good night book but a good morning book! Awesome gift!❤️

The sweetest book! This book is a great way for kids to practice counting forwards and backwards, and they get to enjoy a little surprise at the end! This is a wonderful book for your little ones. Don’t hesitate to buy this book, you and your kiddos will love it!

Click here to purchase on Amazon or here for Barnes & Noble.

I’m a proud member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). They feature recent releases through their Book Stop pages. These pages are loaded with tons of books readers will enjoy . . . check out my BookStop Page today.

The book is available at all major book retailers. To purchase on Amazon CLICK HERE or to purchase on Barnes & Noble CLICK HERE.

I’m so grateful for the reviews readers have posted!! Here’s a sweet one from a teacher!

GOOD NIGHT (NOT REALLY) is a counting book with a twist. Lisa and Charlie compare their good night book to one sweet candy explosion, two big bad elephants, three noisy billy goats, etc. Author Nan Evenson breaks the pattern with a surprise when readers get to 8. It’s beautifully illustrated with moons and stars, colorful fairies, and animated mice and mini cats. As a teacher, it would be delightful to share this with students when they arrive as a “Good morning” book.