October 2026 Newsletter

AVAILABLE NOW!!! How NOT to Destroy a Lab

Years ago, my youngest daughter and I were reading a magazine for kids.  On the last page, there was a duck that said “Oh no! I’m upside down…. Wheeeee! I’m right side up!” and designed to be flipped over.  Cassie could not stop giggling and turning the magazine around and around.  This interaction was the spark that led to How NOT to Destroy a Lab.  

I wanted to introduce science concepts to children in a fun, interactive way that would entice them to explore scientific experiments on their own as well.  I’m beyond excited that my little hand-drawn, stick figure, taped together “book” I drafted years ago is now a beautifully illustrated STEM children’s picture book.

Join Dr. Sam Pling on a tour through her laboratory. There's just one little problem...

Try NOT to push the gravity button off.

Try NOT to slide the thermostats up and down.

And whatever you do, do NOT turn on the magnetic field generator!

This interactive adventure invites children to explore a laboratory, make predictions, laugh at the chaos, and learn along the way.

And when the tour is over, you and your child will have learned an important lesson: How NOT to destroy a lab again!

Get ready for a STEM adventure unlike any other! Available at Amazon now and on my website soon!

The Magic of KidLit: From Scribbles to Storybooks Virtual Workshop

Join me on Tuesdays Oct. 13, 20, and 27 from 10:30AM ET to 12:00PM ET for a three-part virtual workshop exploring the journey from a spark of an idea to a polished manuscript and a path toward publication.

Day 1: From Manuscript to Bookshelf
Explore publishing options, literary agents, query letters, and the publishing process with special guest Heather Felty, owner and publisher of Inner Peace Press.

Day 2: From Scribbles to Story
Learn to develop your idea, hook young readers, build momentum, and choose the right format for your story. Special guest “Papa” Rick Harris, author and host of Adventures in the Heart of Children’s Book Authors, will share insights from interviewing more than 100 children’s book authors.

Day 3: Making the Magic Shine
Discover how critique and editing can strengthen your manuscript, with practical tips for self-editing and finding helpful feedback.

Interactive exercises, practical guidance, and plenty of encouragement included!

Attendees will also have the opportunity to join the ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) Team and receive a copy of “Papa” Rick Harris’s upcoming book, It’s As Easy as Your A, B, Cs: Writing and Publishing a Remarkable Children’s Book. This hands-on experience will give attendees the chance to critique a published author’s work and gain valuable insight into the process they can apply to strengthening and preparing their own books for publication.

I’m Presenting at AWP27!

I’m excited to announce that I’ll be presenting virtually at the Associations of Writers and Writers Programs Conference and Bookfair #AWP27 in Chicago, IL, March 17–20, 2027!

I’ll be joining award-winning author Parul L. Bhandari and moderator Heather Felty, founder and publisher of Inner Peace Press, for the panel “From Idea to Picture Book: How Authors Help Bring Children’s Stories to Life.”

We’ll explore how experienced children’s authors help aspiring writers move from an initial idea to a finished book, including story development, working with illustrators, publishing options, and building an audience.

I’m thrilled to share what I’ve learned through my own journey as a children’s author, as well as through my workshops and KidLit Cat Chat, and to connect with writers and creatives from across the country!

For more information and to register today, please visit the AWP27 Conference website!

Check out my website for information on upcoming events!

If you haven’t followed me on Facebook, TikTok (@CatherineClarkFelts), or Instagram (@CatherineClarkFelts) yet, please do so!

Keep Reading. Keep Creating. Keep Writing.

Whether you're a parent looking for your child's next favorite book, an educator planning a classroom visit, or an aspiring author with a story waiting to be told, there's something exciting happening here!

Thank you for continuing to follow along on this incredible journey.

Learn more about my books, events, workshops, and children's book resources at www.CCFBooks.com.

Happy reading,

Catherine “Cat” Clark Felts