vol. 266 / loving branches

vol. 266 / Loving Branches

VOL. 266 / LOVING BRANCHES

This week's guest editor is Christina Shawn! A reading specialist, literacy coach, and author, Christina writes heartfelt and humorous stories about magical moments in our everyday lives. Her published works include the picture books AND THEN CAME YOU (Maydani, Chronicle Books) and LUCAS PLAYS (Yu, 2017), with NO LOVE POTION (Miller-Gass, The Little Press) forthcoming in 2026.

Christina's current projects focus on early literacy foundations while helping children feel seen, heard, and understood. Through her writing and teaching, she creates spaces where young readers can discover themselves in stories.

Based in Richmond, Christina lives with her husband, three children, and two fluffy bunnies who provide a constant supply of support, humor, and inspiration. When not writing or teaching, she enjoys yoga, bike rides, hikes, and adventuring to new places. Most of all, Christina loves the spark of learning something new and passing it along to others.

Take it away, Christina …

Storytime with Christina Shawn: And Then Came You

Come join me at bbgb, an independent bookstore in Carytown, for a fun spring storytime! I’ll be reading aloud my new picture book, And Then Came You, and would love to share this special story with you. Books will be available for purchase—and I’ll be there to sign your copy, too!

Vitals:

Storytime with me, Christina Shawn / Saturday, May 3rd / 11:00 – 11:30 AM / FREE / bbgb, 3003 W Cary Street

Goat Yoga at Pactamere Farm

Connect with nature—and some very playful baby goats—during a one-hour goat yoga class at Pactamere Farm. Led by a certified instructor, this session includes 45 minutes of guided yoga suitable for all levels, plus 15 minutes of goat playtime for feeding, photos, and snuggles. Ages 10+. Wear clothes you don’t mind getting a little dirty, and bring your sense of humor.

Vitals:

Goat Yoga at Pactamere Farm / Sunday, May 4th / 11:30 AM / $35 pp / Pactamere Farm, 15577 Stone Horse Creek Road

Community Creative Writing with Abbey

Treat yourself to a relaxed, supportive hour of community creative writing with Abbey at Headquarters (hq). Optional prompts will be provided, and all experience levels are welcome. This month’s donations support He She Ze and We, a local organization uplifting LGBTQ+ families and individuals.

Vitals:

Community Creative Writing with Abbey / Wednesday, May 7th / 6:00 – 7:00 PM / Donation-based / Headquarters (hq), 3104 Semmes Avenue

More About Christina.

Christina aims to help children (and adults) feel seen, heard, and understood through her writing. Her background as a reading specialist and literacy coach influences both her books and her work with students, parents, and teachers. Christina believes books connect us, helping us understand ourselves and others as part of one beautiful world, while making learning to read fun from the earliest ages.

This spring, Christina is touring the Richmond area with her new book and booking visits for fall. She'll be at Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens on Friday, May 9 at 10:00 AM for a special storytime and book signing (free with membership), with additional appearances at The Mom Walk (May 6) and Fit4Moms (May 22). Christina loves sharing easy ways to incorporate literacy-building skills into everyday activities with kids. Visit her website or Instagram for event updates and join her occasional newsletter.

Learn More

Richmondclaire prendergastMay 2, 2025meet, go