I just sent out my newsletter, this one entitled "Snow, Ice Cream, and Other Cold Stuff." It included info about my new book (SNOW IS...) and my new obsession (making ice cream). It also included a giveaway. To receive future newsletters, sign up here: lauragehl.com/contact/

Maryland/DC families, I hope you are enjoying our winter wonderland conditions! I also hope you will join me for a snowy SUNDAY Storytime at People's Book in Takoma Park this coming Sunday, 1/12, at 9:30 am. Snowy songs, stories, and crafts! RSVP here: peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/…

Giveaway!!! Win a copy of SNOW IS..., the perfect book to read while curled up on a winter day, with or without snow outside. To enter, RT by 12/12, US only. Tag a friend and your friend is entered too! If you are an educator/librarian, let me know for an extra entry.

Do you live in the DMV? Are you excited for snow? Whether your personal answer is "Bring it on" or "Please no," come join me to celebrate the fluffy white stuff that kids love! Baltimore, MD 12/14 and Alexandria, VA 1/4. Snowy songs, crafts, and SNOW IS...!

Go low-tech and high-tech this winter! ROBOT SHABBAT, in which a child builds a robot out of junk, will encourage kids to create their own robots out of stuff in the recycling bin. On the high-tech end, there's this adorable remote-controlled AND voice-activated robot dog!

A gift duo to enjoy when there is snow outside AND when there is not! Pair SNOW IS..., about the magic of a big snowstorm, with this fifty-pack of fluffy snowballs. My kids received these snowballs as a present years ago, and had epic "snowball" fights in our basement for years.

Baltimore-area families, come join me for storytime this Saturday at 10:15 am at @charmcitybooks! We will read snowy books, sing snowy songs, and do snowy crafts! RSVP here: charmcitybooks.com/events/15…

Is it going to be 80 degrees in MD this week? Yes. Do I have a new book out today about a glorious snow day? Also yes. Sonia Sánchez's illustrations are gorgeous, and there are shiny snowflakes on the cover. I hope you will check it out!

At a recent book festival, I asked kids to write or draw their favorite things about fall. Many of their answers are also featured in YOU'RE THE PUMPKIN IN MY PIE...including apple cider donuts, pie, fall leaves, ghosts, and Halloween candy. @SimonKIDS @StoryJammers

Happy one-week-before-Halloween! If you're looking for a board book to enjoy before and after the 31st, I hope you will consider YOU'RE THE PUMPKIN IN MY PIE. Every page describes the bond between a child and a grown-up with a different lovey-dovey fall metaphor.

Curl up and read a good book this month!