An Attitude of Gratitude
Hello all!
It’s one of the first cool days of late 2025, and you know what that means — grab your favorite cozy sweaters, blast the Christmas music, and break out the holiday décor! (Yes, I know Halloween hasn’t passed yet… and yes, I also know that I’m crazy.) But it’s never too early to celebrate the holidays!
All kidding aside, I’ve always loved the fall season. I love the crisp autumn air, watching football every weekend, the anticipation of the holidays, and all the family gatherings that come with this time of year. So it goes without saying that I, of course, had to release a Ferris book to correspond with my favorite season!
I can’t believe my fourth book is set to be released in just about a week. What a fun and exciting journey this has been. I want to start by thanking everyone who has come to a book signing, Story time, or author event. Thank you to everyone who has purchased a copy of one (or all!) of the three books I’ve released so far. Thank you to every local library that has been willing to have me come read. The support I’ve received from family, friends, coworkers, and even total strangers has been truly amazing, and I am (still!) overwhelmed with gratitude.
This time of year always reminds me how powerful a little gratitude can be. We all know life can get busy — the house is loud, the laundry never ends, and the kids are running in forty different directions. But when I pause for a moment and focus on what I do have — my incredible family, friends, Ferris, and this amazing community of readers — it instantly changes my perspective.
That’s the real magic of gratitude. Being grateful allows us to shift our way of thinking. Even when we want more, it’s so important to be thankful for simply having enough — because so many do not. It’s a lesson Ferris learns in his newest adventure too. When we lead with gratitude and a kind heart, even the messiest moments start to feel a little more meaningful.
Ferris Hosts Thanksgiving Dinner will be available tomorrow, 10/17/2025, and it’s my favorite book I’ve released so far. Not only is it my first holiday book, but it also includes so many of my own family members and some of my favorite holiday traditions as well.
In this adventure, Ferris is thrilled to host dinner for his family. The day begins with delicious food and loved ones gathering together… but things take an unexpected turn when Ferris spots an unwanted trespasser in his yard. At first, he’s angry — but as the day unfolds, Ferris embarks on a journey of understanding, discovering that the true spirit of Thanksgiving lies in sharing, kindness, and giving to those less fortunate than himself.
And in case you’re wondering — yes, there’s a true story behind this book too! Ferris actually did confront a wild turkey in our backyard. Apparently, in our town, turkeys are a common occurrence. They wander onto people’s properties so often that there’s even a turkey crossing sign in town. I used to find that sign hilarious — until one very unlucky turkey wandered into our yard and was promptly chased away by Ferris. The poor fella tried to make a quick escape by flying over the fence (he barely cleared it). Thankfully, both Ferris and the turkey were fine — and Ferris once again felt he had heroically protected our family from an ominous threat.
And just like that, another idea for a Ferris book was born. 🐾
This story is all about learning that the true spirit of the holiday isn’t just about food (even though fatso Ferris really loves his leftovers). It’s about gratitude — for family, for friends, and for the chance to share what we have with others.
This season, I’m thankful for every reader who’s joined Ferris’s adventures. Your support means the world to me.
Please join me for a book signing at The Mule Barn Tavern in Sandy Hook, NJ on 10/26/25 at 12 PM! We love this spot on the Jersey Shore — the history is amazing, the food and cocktails are delicious, and (bonus!) it’s dog-friendly. Maybe Ferris will even make an appearance... 😉
I’ll also be doing a Storytime this Thursday, 10/24 at the Oceanport Branch of the Monmouth County Library for anyone who’d like to join!
This fall, let’s all take a page out of Ferris’s book — slow down, share kindness, and find joy in what we already have. 🧡