To the following individuals I give thanks, owe much, and hereby declare that you’re simply marvelous.
My husband, Bob, gave me the gift of time and encouragement to pursue my dream job. There is much I wouldn’t be without him.
My sons, Ross and Mac, tolerate my distractedness, pitch in when needed, and make parenting easy. There is much I wouldn’t experience without them.
My mother, Elaine Peck, dedicated her life to her three daughters. She taught us independence, confidence, curiosity, and how to have fun. I’ve spent countless happy hours with my sisters Jennifer and Valerie and the entire extended gang: Ted, Taylor, Lily, Katie, and Jack. It’s an honor to snap Christmas crackers and wear paper crowns with you all.
I belong to a talented critique group. Chantal Corcoran, Dawn Mooradian, Kali VanBaale, Kimberly Stuart, and Murl Pace have contributed honest and fair commentaries; their fellowship is a joy; and they get bonus points for making me howl with laughter.
I am grateful to Candlewick Press and its many team members who contributed to this book. Kudos to Kate Cunningham who designed, make that nailed, the covers for both Stork and Frost. I am in debt to my editor, Jennifer Yoon, whose contribution is invaluable. Jennifer is smart, meticulous, and kind.
Finally, I thank the agency of Artists and Artisans. My agent, Jamie Brenner, is my tireless advocate, greatest champion, and a savvy editor in her own right. Without Jamie’s enthusiasm and support, the Stork trilogy may never have taken flight.