If a book is a wish, it takes more than one witch to make it come true! My deepest gratitude to all who had a part in granting it.
In particular, I want to thank my agent, Penelope Burns, for championing me and my work from the beginning and guiding me through the writing and publishing processes. I would be truly lost without you! My editor, Monica Jean, for taking my vision for this book and making it the best it could possibly be. I’m forever grateful for the chance you’ve given me to put Rhea and her strange dreams out into the world. And everyone at Delacorte Press and Random House, for all the hard work behind the magic that made this book a reality, including but not limited to Barbara Marcus, Beverly Horowitz, Felicia Frazier, Becky Green, Kimberly Langus, Richard Vallejo, Tim Mooney, Carol Monteiro, Ray Shappell, Leo Nickolls, Jaclyn Whalen, Colleen Fellingham, Alison Kolani, Tamar Schwartz, Tracy Heydweiller, Elena Meuse, Dominique Cimina, John Adamo, Elizabeth Ward, Lisa Nadel, Adrienne Waintraub, and Shaughnessy Miller.
Thank you to the many teachers and professors who have inspired and encouraged me over the years. And especially to my Columbia College cohort, for sharing your stories and pushing me to be a better writer. I’m so fortunate to be part of such an awesome, talented group.
To my coworkers and friends at the Barrington Area Library, for your endless enthusiasm for books in general and this book in particular, and for making every day at work so much fun.
To my best friends: Jessica, for book meetings and being the coolest witch I know. Erika, for telling it like it is. Amanda, for always being there for me. Kirsten, for a Magical Place Where It Never Rains. Vanessa, for our many weird and wonderful adventures that could fill an entire book.
To Granny and Papa, for opening so many doors for me. To Gram, for never letting me go hungry (I miss you). To Connie and Jerry, for welcoming me into your family. All my aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, niece, sisters- and brothers-in-law—you’re the best. Also the loudest (Cullottas, you know who you are). I’m truly blessed to have such a kind and supportive family.
To J.D., my favorite brother and the funniest person I know, for always eating ice cream with me. To my sister and best friend, Kara, for laughing at the same things I do, for Disney movie marathons and sing-alongs in the car. I’m so grateful to have you both in my life.
Thank you to Dad, for all those eight-hour drives back and forth to college and letting me listen to “thumpa bumpa” music on the radio, and for being someone I can always count on no matter what. And to Mama, for inspiring in me a love of reading and always encouraging me to use my voice, for calming me down and pumping me up, for being my best friend and the best mom. For everything you both have done for me. I love you!
And finally to Frank, my sky and greatest wish come true. I love you and I like you.