Happy Holidays Friends!

“My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person — he believed in me.” — Jim Valvano

This time of year is always challenging for many of us.

For my teacher friends, the exhaustion of containing a classroom of excited children is both joyful and all-consuming.

For my writer friends, getting those treasured manuscripts in tip-top shape for last-minute submissions before the agenting/editing/publishing world takes a holiday break is stress-inducing.

So I will keep this newsletter brief.

I chose the quote by Jim Valvano, not only because it resonates with me personally, but because it is how I feel about each of you.

I want you to know that I believe in YOU.

I believe you are doing amazing work with your students, providing them with opportunities they may not have outside your classroom.

I believe in the stories you are writing, opening worlds that allow kids to see themselves and the world in unique and positive ways.

And to those who aren’t teachers or writers, but follow my newsletter, I believe you are using your talents every day to make this world a better place.

I believe in YOU!

And Now…The Moment We’ve All Been Waiting For!

THANK YOU to those who entered my book give-away! The spinner has spoken and the winner is…

Yay, Clint! (And if you think I’m actually going to write the words “Go Birds!” in one of my precious books, you are sadly mistaken! I’ll be in touch for a more respectable personalization shortly! #GOPACKGO)

Last Minute Gifts

If you’re still looking for last minute gifts for the young readers in your life or a special educator, I’d love for you to consider my books! Just visit collazocove.com/books for all the details!

Freebies!

Don’t forget! I have created robust STEM extension activity lists for the Emersyn Blake books. Grab them, as well as a few coloring pages from my EB Coloring and Wonderings Books, below!

• Emersyn Blake and the Spotted Salamander Extension Activities

• Emersyn Blake and the Stalked Jellyfish Extension Activities

• Emersyn Blake’s Pond Creatures Coloring and Wonderings Book Pages

• Emersyn Blake’s Estuary Creatures Coloring and Wonderings Book Pages

I hope each and every one of you enjoys a season filled with rest, renewal, and amazing wonders! See you in 2026!

All the best,

Kim