Here on the west coast, we live in a rainforest, and are used to rain of every variety: from a fine mist to gentle showers, or from a steady sprinkle to pelting cloudbursts, and even torrential monsoon-like downpours in the long days of winter.

Why do we love the rain? Our trees and plants grow thick and green. Our gardens flourish. We taste the moisture in the air. It just seems right.

So how are we feeling with a three-month drought? Days and days of no rain? It feels very strange indeed.

Our lawns and gardens are brown. The air is dry. We get up in the morning and scan the sky for gray clouds and a sign of rain. There are none to be found.

I used to think it would be wonderful to live in a place like California where the sun always shines. I’m not so sure anymore.

We need the rain. I miss the rain. I hope to see some soon.

Here we are at the beginning of a brand new year. Happy 2014!

It’s good to think of the promise and fresh start this annual occasion brings.

Some people are keen to make resolutions and I am often one of them. But in recent times, my goals have been simple: to read more and write more. And that is what I hope to do again this year. (Maybe travel a bit too.)

To those of you (hello teachers and students!) who have returned to school after the holidays, good luck! I remember from my teaching days how much vital learning takes place between January and June.

As we embark on this shiny New Year, I wish you health, happiness and many good books to read!

The days are short, the air is chilly, and school is closed for the winter break. Now is the time of year when many of us gather with family and friends to eat, drink and be merry.

I send you best wishes for the holiday season. May you have a warm and wonderful time, and many good books to read!

(The lovely image above is from a Unicef card.)

See you in 2014. Cheers!

Today, I’m thinking about the students and teachers who are headed back to school after their summer break. Best of luck to all of you!

Special good wishes to those going to school for the first time, including the wonderful twins in my family. 🙂

May your school year be full of friends, fun, and lots of great books to read!

I packed away my presentation materials a few days ago, after finishing my last talk of the school year.

My final audience may have been the most challenging to date — 3 and 4 year olds at a preschool that the young children in my family attend. But it might have also been the most fun! 🙂

And with presentations over until September, I will turn my mind to various book projects: the revision of one manuscript and the beginning of another. Summer is a good time for writing.

As the year winds down, I’m remembering all the wonderful students, teachers and librarians I met this year. Thank you to everyone who invited me to visit their school.

Have a safe and happy summer!

This weekend marks the beginning of Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights. To everyone who is celebrating, I send warm wishes for a Happy Hanukkah!

The holiday season is upon us, and this blogger is taking a break. I wish you all a happy, relaxing time with family and friends — and many good books, too!