Friday, March 8, 2024

MY TOWERING TREE, coming 8.27.24

Thrilled to be expecting the arrival of a new picture book, THE TOWERING TREE, written by me and illustrated by the prolific author/illustrator Ashley Wolff, known for her BABY BEAR series among others. This book explores the interconnectivity between the human spirit and nature, especially as found in a child's own backyard. Can't wait to share this one! Pre-orders available now.



Monday, April 11, 2022

HERE WE COME! Starred Review & Appearances, Too!

What a delight to kick off the release of HERE WE COME! with a starred review from the Horn Book, lovely posts from book bloggers, visits to PreK classes at The Oaks Academy Fall Creek & Brookside, a Kids Ink Children's Bookstore launch party in Indianapolis, signing at Parnassus Books in Nashville...and more fun to come! Illustrator Christine Davenier and my editor/publisher Allyn Johnston's team at Beach Lane Books/Simon & Schuster did such a beautiful job preparing this book for little readers. My heart-felt thanks to them for partnering with me.💝

For various purchase options & two adorable coloring pages, visit this Simon & Schuster link (scroll down to "Resources/Downloads" then "Activity Sheets" for coloring pages): https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Here-We-Come!/Janna-Matthies/9781534417878










Thursday, March 10, 2022

HERE WE COME! trailer & song!

HERE WE COME! is all about the joys of making music and inviting others to come along. It's a rhythmic, rhyming read-aloud that I plan to sing-aloud, too! This little trailer gives you a taste 🎶:


Monday, February 7, 2022

HERE WE COME! coming 3/15/22

With whimsical watercolor illustrations by Christine Davenier, my new picture book HERE WE COME! is almost here! Inspired by my pre-K and kindergarten students and the belief that there's a musician inside us all, this book is a cumulative, rhyming read-aloud that features a parade of little musicians under the moonlight. 

The first review is out, and The Horn Book gives HERE WE COME! a 🌟. How appropriate for a dreamy, night-time celebration of music.



Wednesday, July 28, 2021

Sammy the Toucan & Me: The Interview!

Suzanne Walker, Director of the Indiana Center for the Book, is the brainchild (and puppeteer) behind "Toucan Tuesdays"--a series of interviews promoting Indiana authors and their books. I was recently the honored guest and had SUCH A FUN TIME! Click the link to enjoy the 12-minute show:

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BqkwUd4t5zk



Monday, June 7, 2021

BOOK RELEASE: 6/10, GOD'S ALWAYS LOVING YOU

Join me Thursday, June 10, anytime between 5 and 6:30pm for hellos, a couple singalongs, and signing of my new board book, illustrated by Airin O'Callaghan.

As if life isn't complicated enough, the past year-plus has offered plenty of bumps and bruises. GOD'S ALWAYS LOVING YOU provides comfort and reassurance that, no matter what, God and his truest-of-all love is right here with us.

Hope to see you! 



Wednesday, February 24, 2021

GOD'S ALWAYS LOVING YOU...coming soon!

With sensitive illustrations by Airin O'Callaghan, my new board book for little ones facing hard moments (and good ones, too) comes out June 7 of this year.  Here's a peek at the front and back covers!