December 10, 2025
Every review, every kind word, every reader has meant the world
I need to pause today and do something I don't do often enough: say thank you.
Not a quick "thanks for reading!" at the end of a post. A real, from-the-heart, I-mean-every-word thank you.
Because without you, none of this exists.
The Journey So Far
When I first wrote The Bumpy Pumpkin, I had no idea if anyone besides my mom would ever read it. I was a nurse who loved stories, had an idea about a weird-looking pumpkin, and wondered if maybe, just maybe, other people might connect with it too.
The answer has been more beautiful than I ever imagined.
That bumpy little pumpkin found its way into homes, classrooms, libraries, and hearts I never could have reached on my own. And that happened because of YOU.
To the Parents Who Read My Books at Bedtime
I know how tired you are. I know that by the end of the day, reading one more book feels like climbing a mountain. And yet you do it. You pick up Scout's Rainy Day or The Bumpy Pumpkin and you read it for the fifteenth time because your child asked.
Thank you for choosing my words to be part of your precious family time. Thank you for doing the voices. Thank you for pausing at the pictures. Thank you for making story time happen even when you're running on empty.
You're heroes, and I don't say that lightly.
To the Teachers Who Bring Scout Into Classrooms
You have a million demands on your time and a thousand curriculum requirements to meet. And yet you found space for a curious little goat and his farm adventures.
When you send me photos of kids acting out Scout's Muddy Day or drawings inspired by the barn fair, I save every single one. They remind me why I do this.
Thank you for seeing the value in stories that teach without preaching. Thank you for trusting Scout to help your students learn about emotions, resilience, and creativity.
To the Librarians Who Stock These Books
Libraries changed my life as a kid. They're changing lives now. And when you choose to put Goat on the Go or The Bumpy Pumpkin on your shelves, you're giving children access to stories they might not otherwise encounter.
Thank you for being champions of literacy. Thank you for hand-selling books to families who need them. Thank you for creating welcoming spaces where stories come alive.
To Everyone Who Has Left a Review
I don't think you realize how much reviews matter. Every single one helps other families discover these books. Every star rating pushes the algorithm to show Scout to more readers. Every kind word makes a difference.
But beyond the practical impact, your reviews have carried me through hard days. When the writing feels impossible, when I wonder if I'm any good at this, I go back and read what you've written.
"My daughter asks for this every night."
"Finally, a book that shows it's okay to feel disappointed."
"Scout is my son's favorite character."
These aren't just reviews. They're fuel. They're the reason I keep going.
Thank you for taking the time to write them.
To the Friends and Family Who Believed First
You know who you are. The ones who said "you should write children's books" before I believed it myself. The ones who read early drafts and gave honest feedback. The ones who shared posts, bought copies, and showed up at events.
Thank you for believing when I wasn't sure. Thank you for cheering loudly. Thank you for asking "how's the next book coming?" in a way that pushed me to keep writing.
To My Sister, Becca
Scout's Rainy Day is dedicated to you for a reason. Your strength, humor, and talents inspire me every single day. You've shown me what it looks like to face storms and find joy anyway.
I love you. Thank you for being my person.
To Cosette Alcalde
Finding an illustrator who understands your vision is like finding a creative soulmate. Cosette, you've brought Scout and his friends to life in ways I couldn't have imagined. Every big blue eye, every fluffy Highland cow, every rain-soaked barn scene—you've made magic.
Thank you for your talent, your patience, and your partnership.
To Everyone Who Has Sent Me Messages
The emails. The DMs. The comments. The letters sent through my publisher.
I read them all. I save most of them. Some have made me cry (the good kind).
When you tell me that The Bumpy Pumpkin helped your child embrace what makes them different, or that Scout helped your family talk about disappointment, or that reading together has become a treasured ritual—that's everything.
That's the whole point.
What I've Learned
This journey has taught me that stories matter more than I knew. A simple picture book about a goat or a pumpkin can:
Open conversations that were hard to start
Comfort a child who feels alone
Create memories that last decades
Connect strangers through shared experiences
Make rainy days a little brighter
I've also learned that I can't do this alone. Every book is a collaboration—with illustrators, editors, designers, and most importantly, readers.
You complete the circle. Without someone to read these stories, they're just words on a page. You bring them to life.
What's Next
I have more stories in me. More adventures for Scout (including one involving a certain birthday...). More picture books that explore the beautiful, complicated, wonderful experience of being human.
But whatever comes next, I want you to know: it's possible because of you.
Every book you bought. Every review you left. Every photo you shared. Every child you read to. Every time you chose one of my books from a shelf full of options.
You made this happen.
The Thank You That Matters Most
Thank you for trusting me with your children.
There is no greater honor than being invited into family story time, into classroom reading circles, into bedtime routines. You've let me be a small part of big moments, and I don't take that lightly.
From the bottom of my heart: thank you.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a goat who's expecting a birthday party. Time to get writing.
With gratitude and love, Natalie
Next post: Helping kids navigate big emotions through stories (and why it works)...
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