Dear Reader,

I had a great time launching Kitty at A Children’s Place in Portland […] this fall!

The event at Boulder Book Store has some history behind it. The last time I appeared on their stage (and they really have a stage!) was to support Noah McNichol and the Backstage Ghost. The date was Wednesday, March 11, 2020, and I remember laboriously baking and individually wrapping cookies in advance because we were all so afraid of this thing called “Coronavirus,” and who even knew how it was transmitted? (Cookies probably.)

Only a very few hardy souls (thank you!) showed up that evening and, as we all remember, stores closed, and we retreated to our hidey holes the very next day.

During the first few weeks of quarantine, I took up listening to KUSC classical music while patching blue jeans with old socks. Luckily that happened to be the year I had elected to go alcohol-free, which, given my inexpert hand with a needle, may have prevented bloodshed.

Anyway, in the annals of Boulder Book Store history, I have the distinction of being the last author to appear before quarantine. I’m pretty sure there is a plaque.

[…] Next month I will have a firmed-up date for a Philadelphia appearance in November and (fingers crossed) some good news about Kitty’s future!

–Martha

Ask for Kitty vs. Kindergarten at your local, independent bookstore. If you want a signed copy, try the stores Martha visited on her tour!

Green Bean Books, Portland OR

Hodgepodge Books and Taps, Eugene OR

Boulder Book Store, Boulder CO (Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025)