9 Randomly Random Facts About CABOOSE

CABOOSE, written by me and illustrated by Ruth Chan, arrives today. I hope you get a chance to read it (and if you work in a school, I think you’ll especially dig it). It’s received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and Kirkus, who calls it “a chaotic yet hilarious story grounded in real childhood emotions”.

You can find it at these locations:

McLean & Eakin | Bookshop | Amazon

Just for fun, here are some random facts about the book:

1. The working title of Caboose was The Line.

2. I drew the following picture while writing the book (now is probably a good time to say thank you to Ruth Chan for her wonderful artwork).

3. As I was writing the Caboose, I assumed the characters would be human. Ruth Chan suggested we switch them to animals and I’m so glad she did. I love how every character in the book is completely different.

4. I chose the name for the main character, Cedric, because it was on the list of names that my parents were considering for me.

5. The parts of the book that list all of Cedric’s lining up skills were inspired by the book Monkey With a Tool Belt by Chris Monroe. I love the part that lists all of Chico Bon Bon’s tools.

6. This book draws more from my real life than any other book I’ve written. I’ve worked in schools for around 20 years now and I’ve seen it all when it comes to lining up.

7. Caboose is dedicated to teachers, who can relate.

8. Ruth Chan’s case cover is perfect:

9. Caboose took almost exactly six years from first draft to pub day.

Thank you Ruth Chan, Stephen Barbara, Courtney Code, Heather Kelly, and all the wonderful art, design, marketing, and publicity folks at Abrams.

You can pick up a copy at: McLean & Eakin | Bookshop | Amazon

Now that the book is out in the world, I’d LOVE to see how you’re using it. Let me know on Bluesky or Instagram.

Thank you!

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