Katherine Applegate
@kaaauthor.bsky.social
I write books, like the "ONE & ONLY" series, WISHTREE, ODDER, and DOGTOWN. POCKET BEAR out 9/9!
I post with some help from Two Cats Comm.
I post with some help from Two Cats Comm.
Did you know that every sea otter in my novel ODDER was inspired by a real story from the otter surrogacy program at @montereybayaquarium.org? 🦦💙
Odder herself is a composite—I needed bits and pieces of a couple backstories. But each part of her story is very much real. @mackidsbooks.bsky.social
Odder herself is a composite—I needed bits and pieces of a couple backstories. But each part of her story is very much real. @mackidsbooks.bsky.social
November 10, 2025 at 6:18 PM
Did you know that every sea otter in my novel ODDER was inspired by a real story from the otter surrogacy program at @montereybayaquarium.org? 🦦💙
Odder herself is a composite—I needed bits and pieces of a couple backstories. But each part of her story is very much real. @mackidsbooks.bsky.social
Odder herself is a composite—I needed bits and pieces of a couple backstories. But each part of her story is very much real. @mackidsbooks.bsky.social
I'm often asked if I met the real Ivan. I didn't, but I did try to visit him once. It was a wet day, and Ivan didn't like rain. He never came out.
I was sad at first, but then I realized how wonderful it was that Ivan could choose where he wanted to be. He spent too many years without that power. ❤️
I was sad at first, but then I realized how wonderful it was that Ivan could choose where he wanted to be. He spent too many years without that power. ❤️
November 7, 2025 at 5:44 PM
I'm often asked if I met the real Ivan. I didn't, but I did try to visit him once. It was a wet day, and Ivan didn't like rain. He never came out.
I was sad at first, but then I realized how wonderful it was that Ivan could choose where he wanted to be. He spent too many years without that power. ❤️
I was sad at first, but then I realized how wonderful it was that Ivan could choose where he wanted to be. He spent too many years without that power. ❤️
I wrote my novel #wishtree from the point of view of a 200-year-old oak tree.
It may seem like a reach, and it felt like one at times. But sometimes it’s easier for me to view humans through a nonhuman lens. It allows our love, fear, pain, sadness to shine through. And, of course, our empathy. ❤️🌳
It may seem like a reach, and it felt like one at times. But sometimes it’s easier for me to view humans through a nonhuman lens. It allows our love, fear, pain, sadness to shine through. And, of course, our empathy. ❤️🌳
November 5, 2025 at 6:36 PM
I wrote my novel #wishtree from the point of view of a 200-year-old oak tree.
It may seem like a reach, and it felt like one at times. But sometimes it’s easier for me to view humans through a nonhuman lens. It allows our love, fear, pain, sadness to shine through. And, of course, our empathy. ❤️🌳
It may seem like a reach, and it felt like one at times. But sometimes it’s easier for me to view humans through a nonhuman lens. It allows our love, fear, pain, sadness to shine through. And, of course, our empathy. ❤️🌳
Sharing another great @charlessantoso.bsky.social illustration from POCKET BEAR. Charles's art adds so much to the text. I'm a lucky author, indeed. 💛🧸
@mackidsbooks.bsky.social #mglit
@mackidsbooks.bsky.social #mglit
November 3, 2025 at 6:07 PM
Sharing another great @charlessantoso.bsky.social illustration from POCKET BEAR. Charles's art adds so much to the text. I'm a lucky author, indeed. 💛🧸
@mackidsbooks.bsky.social #mglit
@mackidsbooks.bsky.social #mglit
"I suppose I always loved strange beasts. Even as a wee child, I was drawn to them.
The scarier, the smellier, the uglier, the better."
🐗💜🪺
@mackidsbooks.bsky.social #mglit
The scarier, the smellier, the uglier, the better."
🐗💜🪺
@mackidsbooks.bsky.social #mglit
October 31, 2025 at 4:14 PM
"I suppose I always loved strange beasts. Even as a wee child, I was drawn to them.
The scarier, the smellier, the uglier, the better."
🐗💜🪺
@mackidsbooks.bsky.social #mglit
The scarier, the smellier, the uglier, the better."
🐗💜🪺
@mackidsbooks.bsky.social #mglit
The epigraph to POCKET BEAR is from a Mary Oliver poem:
"Keep some room in your heart for the unimaginable."
That line reminds me so much of middle-grade readers. They have so much room in those tender hearts.
Thanks to everyone who's introduced Pocket to a young reader. I'm sincerely grateful. 💛🧸
"Keep some room in your heart for the unimaginable."
That line reminds me so much of middle-grade readers. They have so much room in those tender hearts.
Thanks to everyone who's introduced Pocket to a young reader. I'm sincerely grateful. 💛🧸
October 28, 2025 at 5:08 PM
The epigraph to POCKET BEAR is from a Mary Oliver poem:
"Keep some room in your heart for the unimaginable."
That line reminds me so much of middle-grade readers. They have so much room in those tender hearts.
Thanks to everyone who's introduced Pocket to a young reader. I'm sincerely grateful. 💛🧸
"Keep some room in your heart for the unimaginable."
That line reminds me so much of middle-grade readers. They have so much room in those tender hearts.
Thanks to everyone who's introduced Pocket to a young reader. I'm sincerely grateful. 💛🧸
ICYMI: My new novel in verse, WOMBAT WAITING, arrives next spring. Wombat is a “Destiny Dog,” determined to find her person, against all odds—in this case, deadly fires sweeping the state. I can't wait for you all to meet her. 🧡
Learn more and pre-order here: www.harpercollins.com/products/wom...
Learn more and pre-order here: www.harpercollins.com/products/wom...
October 24, 2025 at 4:21 PM
ICYMI: My new novel in verse, WOMBAT WAITING, arrives next spring. Wombat is a “Destiny Dog,” determined to find her person, against all odds—in this case, deadly fires sweeping the state. I can't wait for you all to meet her. 🧡
Learn more and pre-order here: www.harpercollins.com/products/wom...
Learn more and pre-order here: www.harpercollins.com/products/wom...
I learned about pocket bears a few years ago. They were designed to fit into the breast pocket of a soldier’s uniform in WWI. That way, when a soldier looked down, he'd see a token of love—and, hopefully, a good luck charm.
I was so struck by this that I wrapped a novel around it. #PocketBear
I was so struck by this that I wrapped a novel around it. #PocketBear
October 21, 2025 at 3:48 PM
I learned about pocket bears a few years ago. They were designed to fit into the breast pocket of a soldier’s uniform in WWI. That way, when a soldier looked down, he'd see a token of love—and, hopefully, a good luck charm.
I was so struck by this that I wrapped a novel around it. #PocketBear
I was so struck by this that I wrapped a novel around it. #PocketBear
"I'm not brave. Not bold. Not a leader.
I'm not remarkable in any way, to tell you the truth.
Unless you count the fact that I may well be the last member of my species, the dairnes.
An endling."
⚔️🍃🐾
#EndlingBooks #mglit
I'm not remarkable in any way, to tell you the truth.
Unless you count the fact that I may well be the last member of my species, the dairnes.
An endling."
⚔️🍃🐾
#EndlingBooks #mglit
October 18, 2025 at 6:23 PM
"I'm not brave. Not bold. Not a leader.
I'm not remarkable in any way, to tell you the truth.
Unless you count the fact that I may well be the last member of my species, the dairnes.
An endling."
⚔️🍃🐾
#EndlingBooks #mglit
I'm not remarkable in any way, to tell you the truth.
Unless you count the fact that I may well be the last member of my species, the dairnes.
An endling."
⚔️🍃🐾
#EndlingBooks #mglit
I knew I wanted to write a story about pocket bears, but it took me a long time to find the perfect narrator.
I auditioned pretty much every character in the book before finally giving Zephyrina a shot at the role.
I’m glad I waited for her. Writing as Zephyrina was an absolute hoot. 🧸💛
#mglit
I auditioned pretty much every character in the book before finally giving Zephyrina a shot at the role.
I’m glad I waited for her. Writing as Zephyrina was an absolute hoot. 🧸💛
#mglit
October 15, 2025 at 4:08 PM
I knew I wanted to write a story about pocket bears, but it took me a long time to find the perfect narrator.
I auditioned pretty much every character in the book before finally giving Zephyrina a shot at the role.
I’m glad I waited for her. Writing as Zephyrina was an absolute hoot. 🧸💛
#mglit
I auditioned pretty much every character in the book before finally giving Zephyrina a shot at the role.
I’m glad I waited for her. Writing as Zephyrina was an absolute hoot. 🧸💛
#mglit
Calling all teachers! ❤️
If you're looking for read-aloud inspiration, @mackidssl.bsky.social has an incredible trove of teacher's guides online. You'll find everything from picture books to YA nonfiction—even a few of my titles!
Check it out here: www.mackidsschoolandlibrary.com/teachers-gui...
If you're looking for read-aloud inspiration, @mackidssl.bsky.social has an incredible trove of teacher's guides online. You'll find everything from picture books to YA nonfiction—even a few of my titles!
Check it out here: www.mackidsschoolandlibrary.com/teachers-gui...
October 14, 2025 at 4:57 PM
Calling all teachers! ❤️
If you're looking for read-aloud inspiration, @mackidssl.bsky.social has an incredible trove of teacher's guides online. You'll find everything from picture books to YA nonfiction—even a few of my titles!
Check it out here: www.mackidsschoolandlibrary.com/teachers-gui...
If you're looking for read-aloud inspiration, @mackidssl.bsky.social has an incredible trove of teacher's guides online. You'll find everything from picture books to YA nonfiction—even a few of my titles!
Check it out here: www.mackidsschoolandlibrary.com/teachers-gui...
It’s great fun as a writer to return to a group of characters you already know and love. @choldenko.bsky.social and I had so much fun revisiting the world of #Dogtown as we worked on book three.
We can't wait to share details soon, and we're so grateful to our readers for wanting more. ❤️🐾 #mglit
We can't wait to share details soon, and we're so grateful to our readers for wanting more. ❤️🐾 #mglit
October 12, 2025 at 5:37 PM
It’s great fun as a writer to return to a group of characters you already know and love. @choldenko.bsky.social and I had so much fun revisiting the world of #Dogtown as we worked on book three.
We can't wait to share details soon, and we're so grateful to our readers for wanting more. ❤️🐾 #mglit
We can't wait to share details soon, and we're so grateful to our readers for wanting more. ❤️🐾 #mglit
"At Second Chances, Pocket had always been one of the tiniest toys.
Certainly, he was by far the littlest bear."
🧸💛🧵
#PocketBear
us.macmillan.com/books/978125...
📷: @mackidsbooks.bsky.social
Certainly, he was by far the littlest bear."
🧸💛🧵
#PocketBear
us.macmillan.com/books/978125...
📷: @mackidsbooks.bsky.social
October 10, 2025 at 4:22 PM
"At Second Chances, Pocket had always been one of the tiniest toys.
Certainly, he was by far the littlest bear."
🧸💛🧵
#PocketBear
us.macmillan.com/books/978125...
📷: @mackidsbooks.bsky.social
Certainly, he was by far the littlest bear."
🧸💛🧵
#PocketBear
us.macmillan.com/books/978125...
📷: @mackidsbooks.bsky.social
Did you know that ODDER was inspired by a real-life conservation success story from @montereybayaquarium.org?
By the early 1900s, central CA's population of southern sea otters was down to 50. Today, there are close to 3,000.
Conservation measures work. 💙🦦 @mackidsbooks.bsky.social #mglit
By the early 1900s, central CA's population of southern sea otters was down to 50. Today, there are close to 3,000.
Conservation measures work. 💙🦦 @mackidsbooks.bsky.social #mglit
October 7, 2025 at 5:17 PM
Did you know that ODDER was inspired by a real-life conservation success story from @montereybayaquarium.org?
By the early 1900s, central CA's population of southern sea otters was down to 50. Today, there are close to 3,000.
Conservation measures work. 💙🦦 @mackidsbooks.bsky.social #mglit
By the early 1900s, central CA's population of southern sea otters was down to 50. Today, there are close to 3,000.
Conservation measures work. 💙🦦 @mackidsbooks.bsky.social #mglit
The @mackidssl.bsky.social team has created a wonderful teacher's guide for my new novel, POCKET BEAR. 🧸🧵
Check it out—you'll find lots of great activities and discussion questions within: www.mackidsschoolandlibrary.com/pocket-bear-...
Check it out—you'll find lots of great activities and discussion questions within: www.mackidsschoolandlibrary.com/pocket-bear-...
October 4, 2025 at 4:46 PM
The @mackidssl.bsky.social team has created a wonderful teacher's guide for my new novel, POCKET BEAR. 🧸🧵
Check it out—you'll find lots of great activities and discussion questions within: www.mackidsschoolandlibrary.com/pocket-bear-...
Check it out—you'll find lots of great activities and discussion questions within: www.mackidsschoolandlibrary.com/pocket-bear-...
Teachers and librarians, don't miss this “Storytelling for Advocacy” webinar from @uabookbans.bsky.social during #BannedBooksWeek. You'll learn strategies to drive change, confront book bans, and more.
Learn more & register here: uniteagainstbookbans.org/educators-vo...
Learn more & register here: uniteagainstbookbans.org/educators-vo...
October 3, 2025 at 5:37 PM
Teachers and librarians, don't miss this “Storytelling for Advocacy” webinar from @uabookbans.bsky.social during #BannedBooksWeek. You'll learn strategies to drive change, confront book bans, and more.
Learn more & register here: uniteagainstbookbans.org/educators-vo...
Learn more & register here: uniteagainstbookbans.org/educators-vo...
"Look, nobody's ever accused me of being a good dog.
I bark at empty air. I eat cat litter. I roll in garbage to enhance my aroma.
I harass innocent squirrels. I hog the couch. I lick myself in the presence of company.
I'm no saint, okay?"
🐕🧡
#mglit @harperkids.bsky.social
I bark at empty air. I eat cat litter. I roll in garbage to enhance my aroma.
I harass innocent squirrels. I hog the couch. I lick myself in the presence of company.
I'm no saint, okay?"
🐕🧡
#mglit @harperkids.bsky.social
September 30, 2025 at 6:23 PM
"Look, nobody's ever accused me of being a good dog.
I bark at empty air. I eat cat litter. I roll in garbage to enhance my aroma.
I harass innocent squirrels. I hog the couch. I lick myself in the presence of company.
I'm no saint, okay?"
🐕🧡
#mglit @harperkids.bsky.social
I bark at empty air. I eat cat litter. I roll in garbage to enhance my aroma.
I harass innocent squirrels. I hog the couch. I lick myself in the presence of company.
I'm no saint, okay?"
🐕🧡
#mglit @harperkids.bsky.social
Classrooms, sign up for a free virtual visit and Q&A with me as part of @mackinlibrary.bsky.social's Storyteller Spotlight series!
I'll read from my new novel, POCKET BEAR. You'll also have a chance to win some POCKET BEAR prizes. 🧸💛
Learn more and register here: home.mackin.com/resources/st...
I'll read from my new novel, POCKET BEAR. You'll also have a chance to win some POCKET BEAR prizes. 🧸💛
Learn more and register here: home.mackin.com/resources/st...
September 30, 2025 at 4:34 PM
Classrooms, sign up for a free virtual visit and Q&A with me as part of @mackinlibrary.bsky.social's Storyteller Spotlight series!
I'll read from my new novel, POCKET BEAR. You'll also have a chance to win some POCKET BEAR prizes. 🧸💛
Learn more and register here: home.mackin.com/resources/st...
I'll read from my new novel, POCKET BEAR. You'll also have a chance to win some POCKET BEAR prizes. 🧸💛
Learn more and register here: home.mackin.com/resources/st...
#BannedBooksWeek is coming up, and if you want to get involved, this resource from @ncacensorship.bsky.social has some great suggestions for how to organize a Right to Read night in your community. uniteagainstbookbans.org/new-right-to...
@uabookbans.bsky.social
@uabookbans.bsky.social
September 29, 2025 at 4:27 PM
#BannedBooksWeek is coming up, and if you want to get involved, this resource from @ncacensorship.bsky.social has some great suggestions for how to organize a Right to Read night in your community. uniteagainstbookbans.org/new-right-to...
@uabookbans.bsky.social
@uabookbans.bsky.social
“Different languages, different food, different customs. That's our neighborhood: wild and tangled and colorful. Like the best kind of garden.”
🌳🐦⬛🌼
My novel #wishtree was published eight years ago today. I'm so grateful to all the newcomers and welcomers who have found and shared this story.
🌳🐦⬛🌼
My novel #wishtree was published eight years ago today. I'm so grateful to all the newcomers and welcomers who have found and shared this story.
September 26, 2025 at 5:05 PM
“Different languages, different food, different customs. That's our neighborhood: wild and tangled and colorful. Like the best kind of garden.”
🌳🐦⬛🌼
My novel #wishtree was published eight years ago today. I'm so grateful to all the newcomers and welcomers who have found and shared this story.
🌳🐦⬛🌼
My novel #wishtree was published eight years ago today. I'm so grateful to all the newcomers and welcomers who have found and shared this story.
3-4: Doing school visits with @childrensbookworld.bsky.social felt like coming home. And talk about an amazing welcome!
5-6: A full house at the Laguna Hills Community Center for my event with the OC Public Library & Creating Conversations—what a way to wrap things up!
5-6: A full house at the Laguna Hills Community Center for my event with the OC Public Library & Creating Conversations—what a way to wrap things up!
September 25, 2025 at 5:43 PM
3-4: Doing school visits with @childrensbookworld.bsky.social felt like coming home. And talk about an amazing welcome!
5-6: A full house at the Laguna Hills Community Center for my event with the OC Public Library & Creating Conversations—what a way to wrap things up!
5-6: A full house at the Laguna Hills Community Center for my event with the OC Public Library & Creating Conversations—what a way to wrap things up!
Final highlights from my #PocketBear tour! 🧸🧵
1: An incredibly fun event at Kepler’s in Menlo Park with my #Dogtown co-author @choldenko.bsky.social.
2: Educator Night at @hicklebees.bsky.social! Always such a treat to visit this San Jose treasure.
1: An incredibly fun event at Kepler’s in Menlo Park with my #Dogtown co-author @choldenko.bsky.social.
2: Educator Night at @hicklebees.bsky.social! Always such a treat to visit this San Jose treasure.
September 25, 2025 at 5:43 PM
Final highlights from my #PocketBear tour! 🧸🧵
1: An incredibly fun event at Kepler’s in Menlo Park with my #Dogtown co-author @choldenko.bsky.social.
2: Educator Night at @hicklebees.bsky.social! Always such a treat to visit this San Jose treasure.
1: An incredibly fun event at Kepler’s in Menlo Park with my #Dogtown co-author @choldenko.bsky.social.
2: Educator Night at @hicklebees.bsky.social! Always such a treat to visit this San Jose treasure.
Today is World Gorilla Day.
I struggled a lot when I was writing #TheOneAndOnlyIvan. More than once, I thought about giving up. But deep down, I knew I wanted to tell his story.
I never dreamed I’d end up writing four linked novels about Ivan and his fictional friends. It was a true honor. ❤️
I struggled a lot when I was writing #TheOneAndOnlyIvan. More than once, I thought about giving up. But deep down, I knew I wanted to tell his story.
I never dreamed I’d end up writing four linked novels about Ivan and his fictional friends. It was a true honor. ❤️
September 24, 2025 at 4:16 PM
Today is World Gorilla Day.
I struggled a lot when I was writing #TheOneAndOnlyIvan. More than once, I thought about giving up. But deep down, I knew I wanted to tell his story.
I never dreamed I’d end up writing four linked novels about Ivan and his fictional friends. It was a true honor. ❤️
I struggled a lot when I was writing #TheOneAndOnlyIvan. More than once, I thought about giving up. But deep down, I knew I wanted to tell his story.
I never dreamed I’d end up writing four linked novels about Ivan and his fictional friends. It was a true honor. ❤️
Thank you all so much for a wonderful first two weeks of POCKET BEAR. It's been an honor introducing Pocket, Berwon, Zephyrina, Elizaveta, and Dasha to you all. 🧸💛
Have you had a chance to read the book? What did you think?
@mackidsbooks.bsky.social #mglit
Have you had a chance to read the book? What did you think?
@mackidsbooks.bsky.social #mglit
September 23, 2025 at 3:43 PM
Thank you all so much for a wonderful first two weeks of POCKET BEAR. It's been an honor introducing Pocket, Berwon, Zephyrina, Elizaveta, and Dasha to you all. 🧸💛
Have you had a chance to read the book? What did you think?
@mackidsbooks.bsky.social #mglit
Have you had a chance to read the book? What did you think?
@mackidsbooks.bsky.social #mglit
Reminder! The @mackidssl.bsky.social team has a great suggestion for those of you reading POCKET BEAR in the classroom: host a Toy Collection Drive for children in your community. 💛🧸
Learn more and sign up here: www.mackidsschoolandlibrary.com/pocket-bear-...
Learn more and sign up here: www.mackidsschoolandlibrary.com/pocket-bear-...
September 22, 2025 at 5:47 PM
Reminder! The @mackidssl.bsky.social team has a great suggestion for those of you reading POCKET BEAR in the classroom: host a Toy Collection Drive for children in your community. 💛🧸
Learn more and sign up here: www.mackidsschoolandlibrary.com/pocket-bear-...
Learn more and sign up here: www.mackidsschoolandlibrary.com/pocket-bear-...