A young girl sits at a table writing in a notebook, surrounded by trees, a house and a dinosaur wearing a pink tutu.
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Madelyn Goodnight, Illustration for Janie Writes a Play, by Heidi E.Y. Stemple (Charlesbridge). © 2025 Madelyn Goodnight.

Special Storytime: Heidi E.Y. Stemple

Artists & Authors
For Families
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Auditorium

Free

Join author Heidi E.Y. Stemple as she reads her book Janie Writes a Play, illustrated by Madelyn Goodnight.

In Janie Writes a Play, Janie Yolen loves to read, write, dance, and sing. So when her teacher announces Janie’s elementary class will perform a play, Janie is thrilled. There’s just one problem … the play is boring. With the support of her teacher and classmates, Janie rewrites the play, resulting in a hit class musical. Based on a true story to the beginning of the storied career of children’s book author Jane Yolen, written by her very own daughter.

Book signing to follow program. Can’t make the event? You may reserve signed books online.

Who You'll Meet
Author Heidi E.Y. Stemple

Heidi E.Y. Stemple

Heidi E.Y. Stemple is the author of more than thirty-five books for children, some of which she coauthored with her mother, Jane Yolen, including Not All Princesses Dress in Pink. She has also published numerous short stories and poems, mostly for children. Once a year she calls owls for the Audubon Christmas Bird Count.

Author website
Explore Further
Picture of The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art
Event

Spring Week

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(10 am - 4 pm) A free day at The Carle, thanks to the Highland Street Foundation!

Child pointing at book held by Carle educator.
Event

Story Chasers

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Embark on a storytelling adventure across the museum.

Visit the shop

In the Bookshop

Cover of Janie Writes a Play by Heidi E. Y. Stemple

Janie Writes a Play:

A small white house sits under giant purple storm clouds.

I Am The Storm

Cover of She Sells Seashells: Mary Anning, an Unlikely Paleontologist

She Sells Seashells: Mary Anning, an Unlikely Paleontologist

Wren and Grandad search the trees for a nest.

Wren's Nest