THE GREAT ESCAPE
A richly illustrated picture book from the author of In a Jar that follows an older sister and her pack of wild, noisy, can’t-sit-still younger siblings on a grand and wondrous adventure.
Evie believes in all things magic, but her always-pestering, always-following younger siblings make her life seem a little less magical sometimes. So Evie makes her escape to the snowy world outside, hoping for a bit of peace and solitude, only to discover her siblings trailing behind her, once again.
Luckily, with the help of a wand and a few magic words, Evie turns a snowbank into a portal to an upside-down world full of stars, dolphins, and seahorses to ride. Even the reader is invited to rotate the book and follow the siblings along on their adventure! But when the siblings are faced with danger—and someone who needs their help—can they come together to save the day?
Arriving in stores everywhere February 17, 2026
Story Inspiration:
In the fall of 2022 I gave myself an assignment to write and illustrate a fantasy-fairy-tale-like-story with a female protagonist who could face conflict with agency and courage. From there, I found Evie and her siblings. Evie is inspired by my childhood. I grew up with five siblings on a small family farm in rural southern Michigan. As the oldest girl, I remember the bickering, the play, the caretaking, the make-believe and most of all, I remember the fierce bond we created and shared, especially when we worked together.
In addition, the winter I wrote this book (2022-23), it snowed a record 140 inches in Duluth, Minnesota, where I live. The snow was deep and wild, full of wonder and beauty. It provided the perfect catalyst for Evie’s portal and escape.