iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Ann McCallum Staats @annmsbooks.bsky.social · 20/04/2026

It's the book trailer for "A Quilt of Stars." The background photos of space are from Karen Nyberg's personal collection and the song is from Dr. G and the Range Shadows! Book is available for preorders now. :)

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Ann McCallum Staats @annmsbooks.bsky.social · 14/08/2025

Oooo, here's another fun activity for kids. Oct. 11 seems far away now, but mark your calendar. @fallforthebook.bsky.social has loads of excitement for everyone. I'm thrilled to be part of it! Stay tuned for more info soon.

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Ann McCallum Staats @annmsbooks.bsky.social · 24/06/2025

I always, always do educator guides. As a former teacher, I know how much educators appreciate them. And, wow, teaching is an incredibly hectic job!

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Ann McCallum Staats @annmsbooks.bsky.social · 24/06/2025

Thank you @deborahkalb.bsky.social for this fun chance to talk about PLANT-tastic plants! When I first started out on this topic, I had NO idea that I was going to become such a plant lover convert! Has that ever happened to anyone else?

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Ann McCallum Staats @annmsbooks.bsky.social · 24/06/2025

I love this adorable shop. And, how fun is it to poke around in a plant and gift shop?

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Ann McCallum Staats @annmsbooks.bsky.social · 27/05/2025

What do you really know about plants? Come to the US Botanic Garden to find out! (real samples and fun swag). usbg.swoogo.com/Be-LEAF-It-o... #WashingtonDCEvents #BotanicGarden #PlantLovers #PlantFacts #USBotanicGarden #FamilyFunDC #LearnWithPlants #annmcallumbooks #thingstodowithkids

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Ann McCallum Staats @annmsbooks.bsky.social · 09/05/2025

Thank you for posting, Beth! My book comes out in less than two weeks. The writing and researching of it was challenging but amazing. What an honor to have a book coming out on May 20!

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Ann McCallum Staats @annmsbooks.bsky.social · 31/03/2025

Now, a place where it's all organized! Check out books, how to sign up for a program--virtual or in-person--and of course, awesome news. Here's the website address: annmccallumbooks.com See you there!

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Ann McCallum Staats @annmsbooks.bsky.social · 27/03/2025

I hope you'll join me at the U.S. Botanic Garden on May 30 at 3:00 p.m. I'll be sharing Be-LEAF it or Not: Unearthing Plant Truths, an on-site drop-in family program. All are welcome! Check out details at usbg.swoogo.com/Be-LEAF-It-o... #plantbooks #plantfun #fantasticflora

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Ann McCallum Staats @annmsbooks.bsky.social · 24/03/2025

Thank you @fairfaxlibrary and the anonymous patrons who have already put a hold on this book two months ahead of its release! You made my day. :) #nonfiction #plants #plantsforkids #kidsbooks

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Ann McCallum Staats @annmsbooks.bsky.social · 22/03/2025

So thrilled to have my post included in @nerdy_bookclub 's post today. And what a joy to 'dig' into these wonderful books for spring! See the post here: tinyurl.com/eus233a8

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Ann McCallum Staats @annmsbooks.bsky.social · 20/03/2025

Happy first day of spring. Time to think about plants! Fantastic Flora coming soon (preorders available). The flowers are from our yard and are here already. #plantsforkids #plantbooks #Fantasticflora #newkidsbooks

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Ann McCallum Staats @annmsbooks.bsky.social · 03/03/2025

I don't know about you, but I plan to celebrate the joy of reading this week (hopefully every week!).

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Ann McCallum Staats @annmsbooks.bsky.social · 24/02/2025

Thanks for the shout-out. I'm getting pretty excited. And besides, I'd rather think about spring and plants at this point versus winter!

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Ann McCallum Staats @annmsbooks.bsky.social · 17/02/2025

What is it about those little orange banners that make me go WOW!!?

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Ann McCallum Staats @annmsbooks.bsky.social · 16/02/2025

When I was given this advanced copy, I realized why I enjoy reading so much. A beautiful, lyrical book that is as fun to read as it is heartwarming. Characters find joy in the types of books they read along with where and when they decide to open a book. A celebration of the written word!

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Ann McCallum Staats @annmsbooks.bsky.social · 05/02/2025

Great deal on this week! All preorders at B&N are 25% off! www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fantastic-... @candlewickpress.bsky.social

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Ann McCallum Staats @annmsbooks.bsky.social · 22/12/2024

This year, World Read Aloud Day is Feb. 5. Authors donate their time to come into schools virtually to share the joy of reading. Here's the link for free downloads, info, etc. www.litworld.org/worldreadalo.... Also, a list of participating authors is at docs.google.com/spreadsheets...

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Ann McCallum Staats @annmsbooks.bsky.social · 24/10/2024

@skypitch.bsky.social DOING HER PART (nf, pb) In 1905, workers finished installing the first telephone service in Killeen, Texas. Born that same year, Oveta Culp Hobby came to be nicknamed “Miss Spark-plug.” Energetic and bright, she grew up to ignite change during some of the world’s darkest days.

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Ann McCallum Staats @annmsbooks.bsky.social · 10/09/2024

Ooooo, so excited to share the cover to FANTASTIC FLORA: THE WORLD'S BIGGEST, BADDEST, AND SMELLIEST PLANTS. Pre-sale on now... Releasing this spring and canNOT wait!

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Ann McCallum Staats @annmsbooks.bsky.social · 07/04/2024

Fun at Reston Founders Day with @amstephens_ and @joanwaites. If I look cold it's because it WAS cold. Maybe the last of winter weather??

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Ann McCallum Staats @annmsbooks.bsky.social · 17/03/2024

Sunday morning (ish) bread! I'm ready for the week.

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Ann McCallum Staats @annmsbooks.bsky.social · 15/03/2024

One of the ways I 'keep it fresh' is to revise out of order. For the MG I'm working on, I typed THE END after the draft was complete. Now I'm going back to each chapter, out of order, to revise. It's either a great idea or a way to make the story into scrambled eggs. We'll see.

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Ann McCallum Staats @annmsbooks.bsky.social · 10/03/2024

Big or extremely small, what's not to love about a bookstore? In this case, it was a fun project while watching TV.

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Ann McCallum Staats @annmsbooks.bsky.social · 08/03/2024

Honoring International Women's Day! How incredible it was to research and interview these women--44 women profiled in these three books! @chireviewpress

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Ann McCallum Staats @annmsbooks.bsky.social · 02/03/2024

It was Fantastic Flora: The Science of Plant Survival. It is FANTASTIC FLORA: THE WORLD'S BIGGEST, BADDEST, AND SMELLIEST PLANTS. Love it! Can't wait to see what the incredible @zoeingram.illustration does with the illustrations! Coming out in 2025 with @candlewickpress @mitkidspress

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Ann McCallum Staats @annmsbooks.bsky.social · 28/02/2024

So honored to have HIGH FLYERS as one of the 2024 nominees for the Young Adult Virginia Author award. Very cool that the ceremony is about a month before the book is released in paperback, too. Event info here: rvalibrary.org/events/yava/...

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Ann McCallum Staats @annmsbooks.bsky.social · 19/02/2024

Sooo good! It follows the book closely except at the end where things are truncated a little. Lucy Gray believes in people, but she's also a realist. Coriolanus Snow is a complex character, but you see glimmers of what he'll become. Worth a watch (and read)!

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Ann McCallum Staats @annmsbooks.bsky.social · 31/01/2024

The joke never gets old! Writing "Eat Your Math Homework" was so much fun. Thanks SCBWI for highlighting (!) the joke.

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Ann McCallum Staats @annmsbooks.bsky.social · 27/01/2024

Still reliving an awe-inspiring trip to Greece. So much of our own culture comes from this spot on the globe. Some of my favorite English words derived from Greek: dinosaur, phobia, marathon, and of course, democracy. Makes me appreciate those who came before.

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Ann McCallum Staats @annmsbooks.bsky.social · 14/01/2024

Happy out-in-paperback book birthday THRILL SEEKERS (in two days)! Still thrilled when I think of interviewing and writing about these incredible women. Phew! @ChiReviewPress

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Ann McCallum Staats @annmsbooks.bsky.social · 13/01/2024

For my webinar on all things nonfiction, the big picture is "Can NF change the world?" I say YES! See you virtually at the Writing Barn on Feb. 24. Registration here: thewritingbarn.com/class/connec... @thewritingbarn

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Ann McCallum Staats @annmsbooks.bsky.social · 12/01/2024

#ThrillSeekers This picture has NOT been retouched. Sara Mudallal finds balance and joy by practicing parkour. I learned so much writing about her! @ChiReviewPress Thrill Seekers out in paperback next week!!

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Ann McCallum Staats @annmsbooks.bsky.social · 07/01/2024

Word play... not just for the page! And yes, YE is a word.

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Ann McCallum Staats @annmsbooks.bsky.social · 07/01/2024

Thrill Seekers is coming out in paperback! Came across pics and videos from when I was doing research. Since I was including skydivers in the book, I had to try tandem jumping myself. What a life-changer!! Their stories are here: shorturl.at/vDKVW @chireviewpress @mancinoroberta @melaniecurtis11

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Ann McCallum Staats @annmsbooks.bsky.social · 03/01/2024

Remembering when Thrill Seekers first came out and the incredible women in the book gathered to share their stories. What a thrill! Now it's releasing in paperback, too! Video is here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=0OPu...

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Ann McCallum Staats @annmsbooks.bsky.social · 31/12/2023

Found this as I was aimlessly browsing... Can't resist reposting it. Too cute and so true!

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Ann McCallum Staats @annmsbooks.bsky.social · 31/12/2023

I opened up my email and found a note from the Highlights Foundation... with my book "Thrill Seekers" featured as one of their library of books (I donated it the last time I was there). Very cool to be part of this excellent organization! @ChiReviewPress @HighlightsFound

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Ann McCallum Staats @annmsbooks.bsky.social · 30/12/2023

When I set out to interview women for "Thrill Seekers," I had no idea how much the process of writing was going to change ME. Out in paperback Jan. 16! Order here: rb.gy/16nlm0 @ChiReviewPress @melaniecurtis11

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Ann McCallum Staats @annmsbooks.bsky.social · 26/12/2023

Oooh, I can't wait to lead this webinar! I have soo many juicy tips and tricks for the genre that is so fun and rewarding to write. Sponsored by The Writing Barn on Feb. 24, 2024. Registration here: thewritingbarn.com/class/connec...

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Ann McCallum Staats @annmsbooks.bsky.social · 24/12/2023

#LivingCreativelyAMS Happy holidays and Merry Christmas to all who celebrate! It's been a heck of a year; grateful for all the ups and, hey, the downs are part of life. Best wishes to all!

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Ann McCallum Staats @annmsbooks.bsky.social · 22/12/2023

I love Nonfiction. Why? Because it's fun to write ... AND, it can inspire change. Join me Feb.24, 2024 as we dive deep into the nitty gritty of how. Sponsored by @thewritingbarn. Registration here: tinyurl.com/4byb5td3

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Ann McCallum Staats @annmsbooks.bsky.social · 11/12/2023

This mentorship program is so valuable! All kidlit genres covered. Great for anyone wanting to get to that next level. Registration open until Dec. 26. www.scbwi.org/events/MDDEW...

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Ann McCallum Staats @annmsbooks.bsky.social · 05/12/2023

#thrillseekers. Loved, loved, loved interviewing this dynamo for "Thrill Seekers." She's probably outside more than she's in. Her story is fascinating... I hope you can check it out (Paperback comes out Jan.16, hardcover available now).

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