Stories need people like tardigrades need water. Here’s what I’m thankful for: teachers supporting students in finding what they love about the world; librarians guiding us toward narratives that make us want to raise our own voices; writers and artists speaking their truths and showing it can be done; and publishing professionals getting new stories to readers.

I want to thank friends who offered encouragement and critique. You know who you are. I get lots of vaudeville fun and inspiration volunteering with Seattle’s Moisture Festival, the largest comedy/varieté festival in the world. And my life would be very different if I hadn’t found the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and its people. Creative communities are everything.

I love talking with young writers about crafting stories. Thank you for your enthusiasm and courage.

Thank you to Luisa Uribe for creating this dreamy cover and Michelle Cunningham for her superb art direction. I’d also like to thank Barbara Jamison from the Puget Sound Goat Rescue for answering my questions about goats, Dr. Rich Manzi for consulting on the accuracy of Newt’s injuries, and Ariela Rudy Zaltman and Polo Orozco for working with us on authentic cultural representation. Any mistakes are my own.

I am so inspired by the team at Pippin Properties for taking care of business with so much heart. I am especially thankful for my beloved agent, Sara Crowe, for her patience and encouragement. Sara, your faith pushed me to finish this story.

Thank you to my editor, Dana Carey, for believing in Newt and helping me to look closer to find the shape of his story. It takes a lot of people to make a book. I appreciate the work and expertise of Wendy Lamb, Tamar Schwartz, Colleen Fellingham, Candice Gianetti, and the rest of the team at Random House Children’s Books. Publishing this story is a wish come true.

Thanks to my family. It is not always easy to choose patience, love, and kindness, but you do.

And let’s all be grateful for reminders that even on dark days, the world is full of good and wonder down to its weirdest, tiniest parts. Thank you.