One of the most exciting parts about signing with an agent, besides SIGNING WITH AN AGENT (!!!!), is being adopted into an instant family. Your agent-sisters-and-brothers are so supportive, kind and blow-you-away talented. I’ve known Maria for years, and I knew that when Ammi-Joan Paquette signed her, she’d skyrocket to fame.
PENNY & JELLY: THE SCHOOL SHOW is Maria’s debut, but she already has a half dozen more books to come! Phew! She’s got some serious talent.
And since PENNY & JELLY is about a school talent show, I thought Maria, illustrator Thyra Heder and editor Cynthia Platt might like to share their HIDDEN talents for the PENNY & JELLY blog tour.
Maria Gianferrari, Author
My hidden talent: I am the plant whisperer. Here are some of my favorite plants, and flowers:
I took this Clematis in for the winter and here it is blooming. It’s now back on our deck.
My very happy jade plant.
This is my heartleaf philodendron. It keeps growing. And growing. And growing. It just might take over our house.
But somehow I haven’t figured out how to speak orchid. A friend recently gave me this lovely specimen.
But I’m afraid it may end up looking like this.
Time will tell!
Thyra Heder, Illustrator
My hidden talent is not so hidden. I like to dance so much that once I start I usually cannot stop until the party is over and everyone is gone and I open my eyes and I’m the only one left. Here is a photo of me dancing to my walkman at age 11 in front of painted portraits of my Hungarian great grandparents.
Cynthia Platt, Editor
Maria might be a plant whisperer, but I like to think of myself as a guinea pig whisperer.
While I never thought of myself as a rodent person–and was, in fact, deeply squeamish about having one in the house–the loud, demanding, rather snuggly Flicksbee (I take no credit for her name, alas) has wormed her way into my heart. So maybe my hidden talent isn’t so much being a guinea pig whisperer as being open to new things? Regardless, my guinea pig is awesome.
So now that you know these book creators’ secret talents, it’s time to pick up PENNY & JELLY so you can discover their talent!
And Maria will take a look at your talent, too. She’s giving away a picture book critique to one lucky random commenter. Leave a comment about YOUR hidden talent! (Seriously, I can’t wait to read these.)
Plus, there’s also a copy of PENNY & JELLY for a second winner. So comment away! Two winners will be chosen in mid-July.
Good luck!
Maria writes both fiction and nonfiction picture books from her sunny, book-lined study in northern Virginia, with dog Becca as her muse. Maria’s debut picture book, Penny & Jelly: The School Show, illustrated by Thyra Heder, will be released on July 7th, 2015 (HMH Books for Young Readers). A second Penny & Jelly book titled, Penny & Jelly: Slumber Under the Stars, will be released in June 2016. Maria has five additional books forthcoming from Roaring Brook and Boyds Mills Presses as well as Aladdin Books for Young Readers in the coming years. To learn more about Maria, visit her website: mariagianferrari.com and on Facebook.
And you can visit Penny & Jelly at their website: pennyandjelly.com, and on Instagram: @pennyandjelly.
Writing for Kids (While Raising Them) 
232 comments
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July 3, 2015 at 6:44 am
ritaborg
my secret talent is that when I see a sad person, I can make him/her laugh. Not fallon the floor laughing, but glad to be alive hugging smiles.
July 3, 2015 at 8:56 pm
mariagianferrari
What a perfect talent to have! Thanks for your comment, Rita!
July 3, 2015 at 6:48 am
lindamartinandersen
What a fun post! I enjoyed learning about hidden talents and look forward to reading many of Maria’s books. Congratulations to this team! Thanks for sharing your hidden and revealed talents.
July 3, 2015 at 8:57 pm
mariagianferrari
Thanks, Linda! Great to see you here as well as Emu’s Debuts!
July 3, 2015 at 6:50 am
Tina Cho
I can’t wait to meet Penny & Jelly! I guess my hidden talent from the kidlit world is playing piano. (used to teach and played in church)
July 3, 2015 at 9:00 pm
mariagianferrari
Thanks, Tina! I wish I had musical talent! Playing the piano is a wonderful talent to have!
July 3, 2015 at 6:51 am
tanyakonerman
…but if I tell it’s not a secret anymore lol! Okay, my secret talent is I have almost super-sonic hearing, but only at night (during the day I’m practically deaf at times).
July 3, 2015 at 9:04 pm
mariagianferrari
Bionic hearing certainly is useful! Thanks, Tanya!
July 3, 2015 at 7:06 am
Heather Hatch
Ritaborg, what a neat talent! Up early from a late play practice, I can’t think of anything besides ‘hope’. Maybe good aim.
July 3, 2015 at 9:05 pm
mariagianferrari
Hope is the thing with feathers….
July 3, 2015 at 7:20 am
imartypoet
Thank you Tara! My hidden talent is making up songs for littles. I love to sing. Songs pop into my head without warning. Luckily I spend lots of time with babies and toddlers because of my day job in early intervention. I can sing the day away! Penny and Jelly would make for great song material. I will be sure to look for it after the 4th.
July 3, 2015 at 9:06 pm
mariagianferrari
I used to sing for my daughter all the time when she was little. I used to make up songs on car rides–that worked wonders.
July 3, 2015 at 7:28 am
Dee Knabb
I like planning a party…decorations, theme, food and having guests. Am not sure if that’s a talent but it’s something I really enjoy. Can’t wait to read this PB!
July 3, 2015 at 9:11 pm
mariagianferrari
Thanks, Dee! That’s definitely a talent!
July 3, 2015 at 7:36 am
Lynne Marie
As I have always loved the stories behind the story, and the stories behind the people, I really enjoyed learning about all of your hidden talents! I suppose I should now consider divulging mine 🙂 Thanks again, all!
July 3, 2015 at 9:11 pm
mariagianferrari
Yes, please do, Lynne Marie!
July 3, 2015 at 7:37 am
Jim Chaize
Do I have a hidden talent? Well, I think I am very good at recognizing someone’s doppelganger.
July 3, 2015 at 9:13 pm
mariagianferrari
I guess we all have one! I wonder where mine is 🙂
July 3, 2015 at 7:46 am
Kim Pfennigwerth
Ha! Loved learning about Maria. I share her reticence about speaking Orchid. I can’t wait to read about Penny and Jelly and would be thrilled to win one. Oh and my secret talent? … wink 😉
July 3, 2015 at 9:13 pm
mariagianferrari
I just got another orchid as a gift a couple of weeks ago, so I’m hoping to keep this one blooming 😉
July 3, 2015 at 8:04 am
kathalsey
Penny and Jelly look like a talented pair! Congrats on this debut and a possible P&J series, Maria. My hidden talent is making up “urban Kathy tales” about people.
July 3, 2015 at 9:14 pm
mariagianferrari
Thanks, Kath!
July 3, 2015 at 8:16 am
Mamta Chakravorty
Wow ! such a unique post. Lots of best wishes to Maria!
July 3, 2015 at 9:14 pm
mariagianferrari
Many thanks, Mamta!
July 3, 2015 at 8:19 am
Kathy Doherty
I. WANT. TO. BE. MARIA! She is one talented author!
July 3, 2015 at 9:15 pm
mariagianferrari
Kathy, 🙂
July 3, 2015 at 8:22 am
Cathy
I’m excited to read your stories! My hidden talent is that my fingers can fly across a keyboard or telephone pad. When I was in school, I used to call radio shows for contests and I won over one hundred times because I could dial so quickly.
July 3, 2015 at 8:24 am
dpasiczniak
Let’s see- a Penny for your thoughts!!!!! Corny right, corny and clever are my hidden talents plus flower gardening. Nature speaks to us loud and clear. Best of luck with your new book.
July 3, 2015 at 9:16 pm
mariagianferrari
I love gardening-thanks!
July 3, 2015 at 8:31 am
Cathy Breisacher
I can’t wait to read your stories! My hidden talent is typing very quickly.
July 3, 2015 at 9:17 pm
mariagianferrari
With both hands, or two-fingered? My husband’s pretty fast with 2 fingers!
July 3, 2015 at 8:40 am
Barbara Cairns
Loved reading about your new PB, Maria. Like your editor, I also enjoy snuggly rodents , especially little Nimh, a Dumbo Rat I’m training at a wildlife park where I volunteer.
July 3, 2015 at 9:19 pm
mariagianferrari
Oh, Barbara! We had a beloved dumbo blue pet rat named Sky! If you want to see a photo of her, you could go to my website: mariagianferrari.com, or you could take a look at my interview on Kidlitfrenzy, where you can see Sky, our pet rat, Nera, who died last December. We’re still lucky to have Nera’s sister, Lucia, an albino. They’re such sweet pets!
July 3, 2015 at 9:09 am
Wendy Greenley
Fun interview! My secret talent is that I’m a world class ear-wiggler. Not a huge cocktail party show-stopper, but there you have it. 🙂
July 3, 2015 at 9:21 pm
mariagianferrari
Thanks, Wendy! That’s a talent that Penny tries!
July 3, 2015 at 9:11 am
danielle hammelef
Your guinea pig is adorable! I am a hamster whisperer–I can calm one down and actually have had them fall asleep in my hands.
July 3, 2015 at 9:22 pm
mariagianferrari
I had a pet hamster named Hamis (aka Hamlet) as a kid :). Thanks, Danielle!
July 3, 2015 at 9:12 am
Laurie Theurer
Great post, thank you! As for hidden talents, I am so NOT a plant whisperer. I essentially kill every plant in my care by trying far too hard. Never had a guinea pig. I guess my hidden talent is being able to channel people’s emotions and use that information to help them feel better.
July 3, 2015 at 9:22 pm
mariagianferrari
So great to be able to channel healing thoughts, Laurie 🙂
July 3, 2015 at 9:15 am
The Logonauts (@thelogonauts)
Congrats, Maria! Way to hit the ground running, wow! Love hearing about the whole team behind getting an amazing book out there.
July 3, 2015 at 9:23 pm
mariagianferrari
Cool name–thanks for your comment!
July 3, 2015 at 9:41 am
SevenAcreSky
Great talents… what a fun post!
If I have hidden talents
I hope that they are rare,
like whispering to guinea pigs,
and plants in need of care.
I’ve found no hidden talents,
tho I suspect they’re there.
I doubt I’ll ever find them–
I’ve looked most everywhere.
July 3, 2015 at 9:23 pm
mariagianferrari
You’re a poet and you do not know it 😉
July 3, 2015 at 9:44 am
Erin Bellingham
Does eating lots of ice cream count?… Of course it does! My talent is a deep love for those two men from Vermont, Ben and Jerry 🙂 yum
July 3, 2015 at 9:24 pm
mariagianferrari
What flavor, Erin? I’m a cookie dough fan 🙂
July 3, 2015 at 9:48 am
Lori Dubbin
Congrats, Maria, on all your new books! I look forward to reading about Penny & Jelly! My hidden talent is being able to name what celebrity is doing the voice over in a commercial in about 5 seconds. I can even name the not-as-famous ones. I know it’s weird.
July 3, 2015 at 9:25 pm
mariagianferrari
Wow! Can you do imitations too, Lori? Thanks!
July 3, 2015 at 9:50 am
Lauri Meyers
I like to garden, but Maria wins plant whisperer. I love me some dance floor, but Thyra wins with the Walkman whisperer! I did win Grand Champion in Showmanship with my guinea pig a long time ago, but Cynthia claimed guinea pig whisperer already. I created (am still constantly working on) a butterfly garden at the elementary school, so I think I’ll claim my hidden talent as Butterfly Whisperer. Plus a butterfly laid an egg on my head last year.
July 3, 2015 at 9:25 pm
mariagianferrari
A butterfly garden sounds lovely!
July 3, 2015 at 10:03 am
Natasha
Hidden talent- shhhh don’t tell. I can trim the brownies so no one knows any are gone from the pan.
July 3, 2015 at 9:26 pm
mariagianferrari
Very stealthy, Natasha!
July 3, 2015 at 10:07 am
Natasha
I’d love to win Maria’s new book. Congratulations to all.
July 3, 2015 at 9:26 pm
mariagianferrari
🙂 & good luck!
July 3, 2015 at 10:10 am
Joanne Roberts
This looks like a fun duo! Thanks for introducing me to Thyra’s work. Love it!
My hidden talent is I can name all 54 Disney animated features in order by release date. Go ahead . . . ask me some Disney trivia. My head is full of gobs of useless information 🙂
July 3, 2015 at 9:27 pm
mariagianferrari
Thyra’s work is wonderful! She has a new book coming out this fall called The Bear Report, and her debut, Fraidyzoo is very cute too. Thanks, Joanne!
July 3, 2015 at 10:16 am
Jeff Faville
Orchids are tough to talk to. I know because we have a shelf of wounded orchids in our kitchen, turning brown in clay pots. But we tend to them, we give them love and attention, and occasionally one will ease back to life and then burst into a glorious bloom. My hidden talent? Never giving up, even when I reach the level of stubborn obsessiveness. But you never know what might happen. Just look at the shelf of sleeping orchids in our kitchen.
July 3, 2015 at 9:28 pm
mariagianferrari
So well said, Jeff, and that applies to the writing journey too. Perseverance is your best ally. Thanks!
July 3, 2015 at 10:22 am
Caroline
Love this! Congrats to Maria on all the upcoming awesomeness!
My hidden talent… memorizing birthday dates? Example: I can remember the birthdate of a babysitter from when I was two. Although, with each kid I have, I seem to be losing my memory, so I think this talent is slowly slipping!
July 3, 2015 at 9:29 pm
mariagianferrari
Thanks, Caroline! I have a pretty good memory for birthdays too, though not as good as yours!
July 3, 2015 at 10:45 am
jessicaevans915
What a fun post! My hidden talent is actually illustration (ha!). My whole life I’ve been known as an athlete. I played college volleyball and currently coach a high school team. So when people find out I’m an illustrator, there taken aback. Who’d a thunk!?!
July 3, 2015 at 10:47 am
jessicaevans915
“They’re” taken aback. (I’m an illustrator, not an author). 🙂
July 3, 2015 at 9:30 pm
mariagianferrari
I so wish I could draw and illustrate, Jessica. Congrats and good luck to you!
July 6, 2015 at 9:55 am
jessicaevans915
Thank you! And all the best to you!
July 3, 2015 at 10:48 am
Carol Jones
Penny and Jelly looks like a book that I’d love to get for my 2 granddaughters, who are now taking acting classes in addition to ballet!
July 3, 2015 at 9:31 pm
mariagianferrari
That would be wonderful! Thanks, Carol!
July 3, 2015 at 10:49 am
Sandy Perlic
What a fun blog post! But I’m terrible at thinking of clever things on the spot (the opposite of a hidden talent, huh?). All I can come up with for a hidden talent is that I find typos everywhere… even when I’m not looking for them.
July 3, 2015 at 9:32 pm
mariagianferrari
I have that talent too, Sandy! I love finding them in books 🙂
July 3, 2015 at 11:01 am
yangmommy
What an inspiring…and fun…post to read! It’s wonderful how the magic comes together just *so*! My hidden talent is being able to name the year that something happened in history, usually within a 2-year window. It comes in handy when playing Jeopardy!
July 3, 2015 at 9:33 pm
mariagianferrari
You’d be a great Jeopardy contestant!
July 3, 2015 at 11:23 am
Deb Lund
If I discover any talents, I try not to hide them. LOL
July 3, 2015 at 9:33 pm
mariagianferrari
You probably don’t have to look that far, Deb 😉
July 3, 2015 at 11:33 am
Ashley Bankhead
Fun interview. I will have to check this book out. Thanks for sharing.
July 3, 2015 at 9:34 pm
mariagianferrari
Thank you, Ashley!
July 3, 2015 at 11:37 am
lgalaske
Some people can roll their tongue into a tube. A few can make their tongue tall and skinny. Very few can do both. I’m one of these few.
Impressive, right? 😜
July 3, 2015 at 9:34 pm
mariagianferrari
Very! I have a book coming out on animal tongues that are pretty cool too. Thanks for your post!!
July 3, 2015 at 11:49 am
Natasha Wing
Way to go!
July 3, 2015 at 9:35 pm
mariagianferrari
🙂
July 3, 2015 at 11:52 am
joanwatsonmartin
Now I am seriously jealous not only of your publishing a picture book, but those plants! I will try the clematis for sure. I am addicted to plants and reading.
July 3, 2015 at 9:36 pm
mariagianferrari
Thanks, Joan! I do love my plants!
July 3, 2015 at 11:57 am
Mary Uhles
(click) just added to request list at the library:) my hidden talent has to be driving the car with one hand behind my back while i hand out snacks and justice
July 3, 2015 at 9:37 pm
mariagianferrari
Thank you, Mary. I think mothers seem to have the talent of having more than two hands 🙂
July 3, 2015 at 12:22 pm
Margaret Greanias
What a fun interview. I can’t wait to read Penny & Jelly! My secret talent is drawing… would love to develop enough to be able to illustrate but that will have to come someday when I have more time!
July 3, 2015 at 9:39 pm
mariagianferrari
Good luck, Margaret!
July 3, 2015 at 12:25 pm
Carrie Tillotson
Definitely no plant whisperer here. I do seem to have a strange ability to hum along to songs I’ve never heard before (though I can’t say it’s always on key!).
July 3, 2015 at 9:41 pm
mariagianferrari
Being on key is overrated, Carrie 😉
July 3, 2015 at 12:39 pm
Monica
I love this idea! 👏👍☺️ My hidden talent is untying knots. All kinds- ribbons, Christmas lights, shoelaces, but my true speciality- the itty bitty teensy tiny gold chain necklaces. Ahh! I love it!
July 9, 2015 at 6:02 pm
mariagianferrari
You must be very patient, Monica. I’d love your help with our Christmas lights. No matter how carefully I seem to pack them, they’re always entangled!
July 3, 2015 at 12:44 pm
Janet Smart
Love the character’s names – Penny and Jelly! My hidden talent – let’s see, I have a talent at finding arrowheads and pieces of flint in our garden. Many people look, but I seem to be the one who keeps finding these little pieces of history left behind by the native Americans that occupied our area.
July 3, 2015 at 9:42 pm
mariagianferrari
That’s very cool, Janet!
July 3, 2015 at 12:46 pm
Maria Bostian
Maria – Congratulations on the release of Penny & Jelly and on the other books to come! I loved seeing the photos of all the plants. The photos remind me to take time of all of my talents! From one Maria to another – Thanks for sharing!
July 9, 2015 at 6:02 pm
mariagianferrari
From one Maria to another –thank you! 🙂
July 3, 2015 at 1:21 pm
Lori Alexander
What a talented team—congrats on the new release! Hidden talent: My motherly fingers-of-steel can dislodge flaming hot Eggo waffles hopelessly trapped in the toaster 🙂
July 3, 2015 at 9:42 pm
mariagianferrari
Thank you, Lori! I’m sure that often comes in handy!
July 3, 2015 at 1:24 pm
Patricia Corcoran
Patricia Corcoran I love the picture of you on your deck, Maria. To me, that looks like the perfect place to take your laptop and write a story.
July 3, 2015 at 9:44 pm
mariagianferrari
Thanks, Patricia :)! I usually like to read out there vs. write.
July 3, 2015 at 1:56 pm
Erika Hitchcock
I’m a plant nerd too! I bring home all the sad orphans that get tossed to give them a second chance. Orchids though still give me a tough time. Can’t wait to pick up your new book!
July 3, 2015 at 9:46 pm
mariagianferrari
Thanks, Erika! Do you have a favorite plant?
July 3, 2015 at 2:04 pm
Claire Lordon (@ClaireLordon)
I love this fun and insightful post! My hidden talent is that I can juggle.
July 3, 2015 at 9:47 pm
mariagianferrari
I wish I could juggle–the perfect form of entertainment!
July 3, 2015 at 3:16 pm
gweddle
I love the “hidden talent” post! I am a plant whisperer also. Since we moved to Florida four years ago, I have been learning orchids. About half of my plants have rebloomed, some more than once! Others, well, I’m still learning.
July 3, 2015 at 9:47 pm
mariagianferrari
Do tell your orchid secrets 🙂
July 3, 2015 at 3:37 pm
Michael Karg (@michaelkarg)
Congrats on the book birthday, Maria!
I am world-class at armpit noises. I know my secret is safe with all of you!
July 3, 2015 at 9:48 pm
mariagianferrari
Perfect party entertainment! Thanks, Michael 🙂
July 3, 2015 at 4:08 pm
Lindsey McDivitt
Impressive secret talents all! In my family I’m known as the best “looker.” But not cuz I’m sooo good lookin’. I often awe them with my ability to find lost items for them while sitting in my chair–did you look there? here? etc. Till, bingo! its often found right where they swear they looked before…
July 3, 2015 at 9:51 pm
mariagianferrari
I’m pretty good at finding things that no one else can seem to find either, though they’re in plain view. Thanks, Lindsey!
July 3, 2015 at 4:09 pm
aliciaminor
My hidden talent? Writing picture books BUT… it will only be a hidden talent if it gets published. I got you, didn’t I? Congrats Maria for another book!
July 3, 2015 at 9:57 pm
mariagianferrari
Thanks, Alicia! Good luck on your pbs!
July 3, 2015 at 4:19 pm
kdveiten
My hidden talent is actually being a writer…not many people in my circles know yet!
July 3, 2015 at 9:59 pm
mariagianferrari
Good luck to you, now that it’s known to the world :)!
July 3, 2015 at 4:20 pm
Rosi Hollinbeck
My hidden talent, unfortunately, is breeding dust bunnies. I have quite a warren at my house.
July 3, 2015 at 10:00 pm
mariagianferrari
Too bad the dust bunnies couldn’t be knitted 🙂
July 3, 2015 at 5:19 pm
Danielle Heitmuller
I’m definitely in Thyra’s camp. I dance all the time. When I’m not physically dancing myself, I dance with my pencil (animation), but that one is not a hidden talent. I’m also known to friends as an orchid whisperer. For Maria, get some orchid food. To water them, submerge the pot in water once a week. Add food to the water at least once a month. Good luck, that phaelinopsis is a beauty!
July 3, 2015 at 10:01 pm
mariagianferrari
Thanks so much for the orchid pointers, Danielle! Anything in particular you’d recommend for food? Keep dancing!
July 3, 2015 at 6:02 pm
Kelly H-Y
Very fun post! Orchids are tricky … for the first time, I have one that has successfully been blooming every 3-4 months or so for the past 3 years. I’m thinking it’s the window it’s sitting in … so, I can NOT move it! (Window faces east). 🙂
July 3, 2015 at 10:03 pm
mariagianferrari
Mine are in east-facing windows too, with indirect light. I’m hoping to have better luck with my new ones. The second one is now sprouting a new leaf :). Thanks, Kelly!
July 3, 2015 at 6:22 pm
Charlotte
What a fun post to read…and congratulations, Maria. Orchids are my botanical downfall, so I feel your pain there. I think it’d be safe to say I have a hidden talent for repurposing “found” materials. Visiting a local recycling-center-for-educators sends the creativity corner of my brain into overdrive!
It would be such fun to win your book:)
July 3, 2015 at 10:04 pm
mariagianferrari
LOVE re-purposing, Charlotte! What a fun gift to have.
July 3, 2015 at 6:22 pm
Nancy Colle
Always love background info. on authors/artists. As for me,- no hidden talents here, unless you count napping, -thanks for posting. 🙂
July 3, 2015 at 10:04 pm
mariagianferrari
I’m talented at napping too, Nancy! It’s a great rejuvenator!
July 3, 2015 at 6:33 pm
David Robertson
Congratulations on the book; wonderful title that flows from the tongue. As I’m under the spell of a 5.5 year old, all singing, all dancing daughter I know how important ‘school shows’ are. This brings me neatly to my hidden talent as I now know ALL the words to ALL the songs in Disney’s ‘Frozen’ movie. So glad it’s hidden…
July 3, 2015 at 10:06 pm
mariagianferrari
Thank you, David! That’s a useful talent to have for a 5.5 yr old!!
July 3, 2015 at 7:03 pm
Sadee Schilling
Singing and dancing musical-syle around the house with my kids would be my hidden talent too. Can’t wait to read this book, especially since we call my middle daughter Penelope “Penny.”
July 3, 2015 at 10:07 pm
mariagianferrari
Thanks, Sadee! And greetings to your Penny 🙂
July 3, 2015 at 9:45 pm
laura516
I love the names Penny and Jelly! My hidden talent is making fabulous homemade jam. Can’t wait to read your book 🙂
July 3, 2015 at 10:08 pm
mariagianferrari
Thanks, Laura! My great aunt used to make delicious beach plum jelly!
July 3, 2015 at 10:09 pm
mariagianferrari
Thank you so much for having me here today, Tara, and many thanks for all your do for the kidlit community!!
July 3, 2015 at 11:06 pm
Carrie Charley Brown
What a beautiful picture of you on the porch, Maria! I also received an orchid from my tutoring student. I’m afraid to repot it because it is doing great. The air roots (above the soil) are huge, but it continues to flower. 🙂 Congrats, again on P & J! Thyra, I love the illos! Great teamwork to all!
July 4, 2015 at 9:26 pm
mariagianferrari
Thanks so much, Carrie! I’ve gotten a lot of great orchid tips here–will try them out!
July 3, 2015 at 11:11 pm
Matt Sproul
Congrats on your debut book. Look forward to reading Penny & Jelly.
July 4, 2015 at 9:26 pm
mariagianferrari
Many thanks, Matt!
July 4, 2015 at 12:26 am
Shirley Fadden
My hidden talent is sleep talking. My husband says I once yelled, “Santa needs a latte” in my sleep. Perhaps this was during PiBoIdMo?
July 4, 2015 at 9:27 pm
mariagianferrari
That would make a funny PB, Shirley!
July 4, 2015 at 4:48 am
Wendy Engelmann
My hidden talent is snapping my fingers the Persian way! It is very different than the American way.
July 4, 2015 at 9:30 pm
mariagianferrari
Now I’m curious what the difference is–I had no idea, Wendy
July 4, 2015 at 8:24 am
marlainagray
What a fun post! My hidden talent is getting the kids to eat zucchini … by making zucchini bread. Love all the orchid talk – I used to belong to an orchid society when I lived in Florida. (One other tip: Try putting the pot in a shallow, pebble-filled dish – aquarium gravel is great – and adding water to the dish. Orchids love humidity.) Congrats on “Penny & Jelly”!
July 4, 2015 at 9:31 pm
mariagianferrari
My daughter loves zucchini bread too, but prefers her aunt’s to mine 🙂 Thanks too for the orchid tips, Marlaina!
July 4, 2015 at 9:34 am
Sheri Rad
Sounds like you have found the secret to publishing picture books and a green thumb,too. My hidden talent is organization, I spend hours organizing everything but my manuscripts and ideas. Congrats on all your success.
July 4, 2015 at 9:38 pm
mariagianferrari
I’m pretty talented both at organization, and procrastination :. Thanks, Sheri!
July 4, 2015 at 12:42 pm
Sheri Dillard
My hidden talent seems to be finding super-talented critique partners! 😉
Great post! Thanks, Maria, Tara, Thyra, and Cynthia! Congratulations to all!
July 4, 2015 at 9:38 pm
mariagianferrari
Ditto, Sheri XO!!
July 4, 2015 at 2:11 pm
Andrea Allen
Love the post and can’t wait to read Penny & Jelly! My secret talent, is the ability to laugh at myself – this is an especially useful talent as my husband likes to make fun of me constantly to our kids!
July 4, 2015 at 9:39 pm
mariagianferrari
Thanks, Andrea! That’s a very useful talent indeed.
July 4, 2015 at 3:49 pm
Mary McClellan
My secret talent is burbling peas. I haven’t done this much since graduating from college, but I’m sure it would catch on if I demonstrated it at an awards banquet or some such event. 🙂 How wonderful to learn about the secret talents of these talented tale tellers!
July 4, 2015 at 9:41 pm
mariagianferrari
That’s pretty cool, Mary–a great party trick! (I had to look it up first, since I had no idea what that was 😉 )
July 4, 2015 at 3:54 pm
amyleetai
What a fun, thought-provoking post! And what a talented bunch! My hidden talent? To catch insects in my house and release them to the great outdoors. 😊 Bugs don’t bug me, except if they’re bigger than a hand; I’ve encountered some supersized bugs in our house in the woods. In this case, they look too much like rodents, so I jump on the nearest table and scream. 😬 Happy 4th!
July 4, 2015 at 4:40 pm
Myrna Foster
Some of my friends call me the bird whisperer. Domestic, wild, it doesn’t seem to matter.
Thanks for this post! I’m excited to read PENNY AND JELLY!
July 4, 2015 at 9:42 pm
mariagianferrari
Very cool, Myrna–I adore birds, and affectionately call myself a bird nerd :).
July 4, 2015 at 8:14 pm
Elizabeth S
My hidden talent is instant baby giggles when I do wacky dance moves and silly face:) Thanks for sharing!
July 4, 2015 at 9:47 pm
mariagianferrari
Cute! Thanks, Elizabeth!
July 5, 2015 at 7:46 pm
ldk
I really enjoyed this post and reading all the comments about hidden talents! I look forward to reading Penny and Jelly! Now, for my hidden talent…hmmm…okay, here goes. I can remember the lyrics to many of the songs there were popular when I was growing up, some from (gulp!) over fifty years ago. As soon as the introduction plays, I can recall the lyrics or at the very least, the chorus. Maybe everyone can do that so it might not be a talent after all! : )
July 6, 2015 at 4:02 pm
mariagianferrari
Thanks, LDK!
July 5, 2015 at 10:40 pm
katiemillsgiorgio
Oh I can Irish Step Dance (a la Riverdance!) Thanks for sharing!
July 6, 2015 at 4:02 pm
mariagianferrari
That is a cool talent, Katie! A friend of mine owns a step-dance school in MA 🙂
July 6, 2015 at 1:10 am
Rebecca Sheraton
People really do have such wonderful hidden talents outside of their craft.
July 6, 2015 at 4:02 pm
mariagianferrari
What’s yours, Rebecca?
July 6, 2015 at 10:48 am
Shari Della Penna
Thanks, Tara, for another inspiring post. We all have hidden talents. Sometimes they are so well hidden that we can’t find them ourselves! Thanks for the reminder to look for them. I can sing the alphabet backwards. I can also perform “Prinderella and the Cince.” Although not really a talent, I like to make up new words. Congrats on your books, Maria. I can’t wait to read them.
July 6, 2015 at 4:03 pm
mariagianferrari
Thank you, Shari. I definitely think creating new words is a talent 🙂
July 6, 2015 at 11:12 am
booksbyanacrespo
My hidden talent is not singing or playing an instrument. It is not dancing or drawing. Not playing a sport either. It could be breaking electronic devices. I am certainly good at it. I will go with packing, though. Such a ridiculous talent, but I am really good at it. I can get anything into a suitcase and I do it so well that even the breakables survive our very long trips.
July 6, 2015 at 11:46 am
shiela fuller
My hidden talent is that I can read up-side-down and backwards, really fast! LOL
I also have a knack for spotting unusual birds that happen to fly in my yard and then get a quick photo of them.
July 6, 2015 at 4:04 pm
mariagianferrari
Thank you, Shiela. I love birds, but I can’t ever seem to photograph them very well.
July 6, 2015 at 2:20 pm
Jodie parachini
Looks like a fab series! My secret talent is drawing pictures of lions. I can’t draw anything else sadly, but I love my lions!
July 6, 2015 at 2:38 pm
Carol Gordon Ekster
I’m obviously not very good at hiding things. Can’t think of a hidden talent! I’ll continue to think on this…
July 6, 2015 at 4:04 pm
mariagianferrari
Thanks, Carol!
July 6, 2015 at 4:00 pm
Stephan Stuecklin
I’ll claim being able to present dry matter in a memorable manner. (Ask me about non-metallic inclusions and garden gnomes!)
July 6, 2015 at 4:05 pm
mariagianferrari
Tell us your garden gnome secrets, Stephan :).
July 6, 2015 at 9:31 pm
Susan Halko
Can’t wait to read PENNY & JELLY. My hidden talent? Playing the piano. It’s hidden because it’s been a while since I’ve mastered any new pieces!
July 9, 2015 at 6:04 pm
mariagianferrari
I took piano lessons as a kid, but never quite mastered it. Too bad I didn’t stick with it! Thanks for your comment, Susan!
July 7, 2015 at 11:28 am
Karen Lawler
My hidden talent is a powerful hand shake. I shake hands with adults and children and My dad taught me how to make it mean something along with eye contact. People always respond with a smile and a friendly feeling.:)
July 9, 2015 at 6:04 pm
mariagianferrari
It definitely makes a difference! A wimpy handshake just feels strange!
July 7, 2015 at 2:29 pm
Jen
I can identify any episode of Saved by the Bell or Full House within 10 seconds.
July 9, 2015 at 6:05 pm
mariagianferrari
Isn’t Full House coming back? You’ll have new episodes to memorize, Jen :).
July 7, 2015 at 3:35 pm
Cathy Ballou Mealey
I used to tend my boss’ beloved orchids when she went on vacation. Nerve-wracking. As I misted them I would whisper “Please live! Please live!”
My secret talent is finding multi-leaved clovers in the lawn.
❤ to Maria, Penny & Jelly!
July 9, 2015 at 6:06 pm
mariagianferrari
Thanks, Cathy <3! I've only found a four-leaf clover once, and that's when I was a kid. You must have hawk eyes :).
July 7, 2015 at 3:48 pm
figment68
Congratulations on your new book!! My hidden talent is turning into a Dear Abby and giving kids advice and helping them feel better on storybird.com. I love to write stories and read so it is my favorite site. I never expected to make so many online friends and to be a nurturer and advice giver to many youngsters around the world. It is pretty cool and rewarding though.
July 9, 2015 at 6:06 pm
mariagianferrari
That sounds very rewarding indeed!!
July 7, 2015 at 3:49 pm
Darshana
Congratulations Maria! Can’t wait to read it. Love your plant pictures. I’m Dr. Death when it comes to indoor plants. My hidden talent, keeping our social calendar and kids’ parties in my head. Of course there was the time
I took the family to a kids’ party thinking it was from our social circle and instead ended up at a school-kids’ bday party instead. 🙂
July 9, 2015 at 6:07 pm
mariagianferrari
Thanks, Darshana! I keep a lot in my head too, but I always write it on multiple lists too, just in case ;).
July 7, 2015 at 3:50 pm
figment68
Of course I forgot to add my name. =/ Jennifer Lorrekovich
July 9, 2015 at 6:08 pm
mariagianferrari
Now I can thank you properly, Jennifer :).
July 7, 2015 at 5:00 pm
KA
I appreciate hearing about your hidden talent. Congratulations Maria!
July 9, 2015 at 6:08 pm
mariagianferrari
Thanks, KA!
July 7, 2015 at 5:23 pm
Chana
So talented! Can’t wait to see your book. This week my hidden talent is seeking out wet towels left in camp bags! Occasionally wet bathing suits too. Remarkable, I know 😉
July 9, 2015 at 6:08 pm
mariagianferrari
That’s a very useful summer talent, Chana–good luck!
July 7, 2015 at 5:53 pm
mochamusing
Hidden Talent: Maker of Sweet Things. I am pretty popular for my grandmother’s recipes for apple pie and strawberry jam. My most popular request from others is my recipe for Slap Yo Mama Chocolate Cake. It is so good it’ll make you want to “Slap Yo Mama. “
July 9, 2015 at 6:09 pm
mariagianferrari
Sounds yummy! Mocha is the perfect name 🙂
July 7, 2015 at 11:05 pm
Tara
My hidden talent is being able to go into the bookstore, scan the rows of books with spines facing out ( not the nice displays) and immediately find something new or I have not seen before. Great skill for research.
July 9, 2015 at 6:09 pm
mariagianferrari
Yes indeed that is! Thanks, Tara!
July 8, 2015 at 11:39 am
Charlotte Dixon
This is a fun post to start my day. I look forward to your books! My secret talent-I’m a dog whisperer 🙂
July 8, 2015 at 9:43 pm
Ellen Sirianni
Congratulations Maria! Can’t wait to read your book. My hidden talent is being a neat freak. I drive my family crazy!
July 9, 2015 at 6:10 pm
mariagianferrari
Thanks, Ellen! I’m a bit of a neat freak too–I can’t stand clutter!
July 11, 2015 at 10:50 am
Janet
Another book to add to my PB collection! I so wish I was a plant whisperer-I have what you call a ‘black thumb.’ 😉 I am, however, pretty capable of baking -I have a few friends that, no matter what I make, they call ‘Janet’s Greatness.’☺️😆
July 16, 2015 at 5:44 am
mariagianferrari
Thanks, Janet! I love to bake too–a perfect talent for the holidays!
July 11, 2015 at 11:00 am
janny johnson
Great book. Love the plants!
July 16, 2015 at 5:44 am
mariagianferrari
Thanks, Janny!
July 11, 2015 at 11:06 am
nicole snitselaar
Hello ! congratulations !
I suppose I have the talent to be happy and peaceful 9 time out of 10 even when life is really taking a toll ! I used to be talented in sewing crafting gardening, playing the guitar and writing songs, cookikg meals for my large family, baking bread for every day, and cakes… and now I am happy to be just able to communicate with two fingers via internet with people all over the world ! 😉
July 16, 2015 at 5:46 am
mariagianferrari
Positivity is so important–that’s a talent that benefits your health, and helps others too! Thanks, Nicole!
July 11, 2015 at 11:07 am
jhayslett
My hidden talent is inherited. It’s what my family calls “the packing gene.” My father had it. So does my son. The packing gene enables those of us so gifted to pack more into a suitcase, dishwasher, U-Haul trailer than those without it — AND the packed clothes end up with fewer wrinkles, the dishes get just as clean as when my husband (who definitely isn’t similarly gifted) does the job and I got more in the U-Haul than anyone thought humanly possible without anything breaking!
July 16, 2015 at 5:46 am
mariagianferrari
I could have used your help when I moved two years ago. I’ll look you up for my next move ;)–thanks!
July 11, 2015 at 12:26 pm
JEN Garrett
My hidden talent is lightning reflexes. I used to be a klutz, then I learned a secret – almost everything warns you before it falls.
One time I had a kid on my hip at the dentist, and I was filling out papers. On the counter was a huge beautiful vase of fake flowers. I knew where this was going, so when my kid knocked over the flowers, I grabbed the vase, up-righted it, and went back to filling out forms all in one motion. Lightning reflexes. Or is it?
July 16, 2015 at 5:47 am
mariagianferrari
Thanks, Jen! I’m sure that comes in oh-so-handy with young kids!
July 11, 2015 at 12:44 pm
Joanne Sher
This looks SO clever and cute. Fun stuff! My hidden talent? It is hidden from me too LOL (Or maybe forgetfulness is my talent? maybe??). Great post!
July 16, 2015 at 5:47 am
mariagianferrari
It’s probably not as hidden as you think, Joanne 🙂
July 11, 2015 at 1:44 pm
Keila Dawson
Plant whisperer, story whisperer, song whisperer…you’very got talent. Can’t wait to read your books.
July 16, 2015 at 5:48 am
mariagianferrari
Thank you for your kind words, Keila 🙂
July 11, 2015 at 5:39 pm
rosiepova
I think my secret talent is photography. When my kids were little, I used to create my own at home studio and spend hours at a time taking pictures. I had fun! 🙂
Can’t wait to read the book and would love a critique on one of mine!
July 11, 2015 at 5:53 pm
Rosie Pova
I think my hidden talent is photography. When my kids were little, I used to create my at home studio and spend hours at a time taking their pictures. I had fun! 🙂
Can’t wait to read the book and would love a critique for one of mine!
July 16, 2015 at 5:49 am
mariagianferrari
I’m the world’s worst photographer, so I’d love your talent, Rosie!
July 11, 2015 at 9:26 pm
mpriestley1
What a fun post! Well I’d have to say my hidden talent would have to be being able to read gentle, secret messages from Mother Earth x
July 16, 2015 at 5:49 am
mariagianferrari
She needs so much help these days too–thank you!
July 11, 2015 at 10:42 pm
paddedpup
My hidden talent….I have a knack for Disney Trivia! I have The Lion King memorized from start to finish!
July 16, 2015 at 5:50 am
mariagianferrari
Is there a Disney edition of Trivial Pursuit? Thanks for commenting!
July 12, 2015 at 10:39 am
katrinamoorebooks
Congratulations, Maria! Excited to meet Penny and Jelly! My hidden talent is the ability to make an entire plate of red velvet cupcakes disappear in 5 minutes 🙂
July 16, 2015 at 5:50 am
mariagianferrari
Thank you, Katrina! I can make cookies disappear too 😉
July 12, 2015 at 1:42 pm
Nancy Furstinger
I have a black thumb and my singing would clear a room, but I specialize in finding homes for rescued rabbits!
July 16, 2015 at 5:51 am
mariagianferrari
How wonderful, Nancy! Thanks for doing that! I’m an animal lover, and we got our pet rats from a small animal rescue 🙂
July 12, 2015 at 1:53 pm
Tracy Molitors
Congratulations on your launch, Maria! My hidden talent is the ability to slow down my heart rate at will – very useful in high stress situations – when I remember). I have also been working on levitation, but so far I haven’t gotten that one off the ground 🙂
July 16, 2015 at 5:52 am
mariagianferrari
That is useful, Tracy! Thank you!
July 13, 2015 at 2:05 am
Pam Miller
Congratulations on Penny & Jelly, Maria! My secret talent is that I have a little ESP and my daughter might, too. I don’t always know everything, but I am close. Once my daughter and I registered for a school raffle. I had a feeling she might win the Raggedy Ann doll, especially when she came into the kitchen to ask if it was 7:00 p.m. (the time the winner would be notified). The phone rang. She didn’t win the doll. I won a car!
July 16, 2015 at 5:53 am
mariagianferrari
Pat–I have a little of that too! Usually when I’m thinking of someone, generally someone whom I haven’t spoken to recently, like old friends, then I get an email or a phone call. How cool that you won a car! Thanks so much for commenting!!
July 13, 2015 at 7:30 am
angelapenadahle
Great title…..hidden talents are fantastic. You never know what you got until you try. I didn’t know I would enjoy painting with watercolor until I dove into it after I got the suggestion/encouragement from a friend.
July 16, 2015 at 5:53 am
mariagianferrari
Love watercolor–glad you found your talent, Angela 🙂
July 13, 2015 at 8:25 pm
Tonya
I am hoping that writing turns out to be my secret talent. It’s at least secret (to most who know me).
July 16, 2015 at 5:54 am
mariagianferrari
I hope it won’t be a secret for long, Tonya 🙂
July 13, 2015 at 9:09 pm
Joy E
I play the ukelele and know how to weave.
July 16, 2015 at 5:54 am
mariagianferrari
Cool talents, Joy! Thanks!!
July 14, 2015 at 12:34 pm
Tonya
Hi, Tara,
I am excited about your alien and bears book and want to use your image for my Facebook. How do I?
Best,
Tonya
July 16, 2015 at 5:55 am
mariagianferrari
I believe that Tara said it was on her author page on Facebook, Tonya.
July 14, 2015 at 12:48 pm
Sandi Lawson
My hidden talent is sewing and scrapbooking. You know you enjoy it when you look up and two hours have passed and you’ve been totally absorbed in what you are doing.
July 16, 2015 at 5:55 am
mariagianferrari
So true–it’s easy to get lost in things we love. Thanks for commenting, Sandi!
July 16, 2015 at 11:47 pm
Allison Garwood
My secret talent (compulsion?) is to intuit (invent?) the background details of everybody I see ever. The full picture instantly pops into my head. I know each nuance from desk tchotchkes to hair regimen to fork, chopsticks, or spork (usually fork). P.S. I’m always wrong.
July 20, 2015 at 9:32 pm
mariagianferrari
Sounds like the perfect talent for a writer, Allison!! 🙂
July 25, 2015 at 9:48 am
Karen Lawler
I am a little late but I think I have a secret talent, too. I can get people to tell me their life’s story in a very short period of time. I just have a curiosity that helps me ask the rich questions and they answer with honesty. It’s a real kick when my husband says… “Who was that?” and I can give him the persons personal history. FUN!!!! 🙂