There are moments that not-yet-published authors dream about. The call from an agent. Another call from said agent saying that the manuscript has been sold. The moment we first hold our very own book in our hands. For me, there’s another moment that I allow myself to imagine once in a while: The first time I sign a copy of my book for someone who read it and loved it.

Wouldn’t that be amazing? I think it’s something I look forward to partly because I’ve been the eager signee so many times, and because I’m connected/persistant enough that I have a lot of signed copies of books I love. (Thank you, Ally!) Most are signed to my kids, which only makes me love them more.

The picture at the top of this post is perhaps my favorite example. Yes, that’s this year’s Newbery Medal winner, Dead End in Norvelt by Jack Gantos. Yes, it’s signed and personalized to my son, Jack. Yes, it’s okay if you feel a little jealous right now.

Here are some of my other favorites from our shelves:

How Many, How Many, How Many (a counting book) by Rick Walton: To Halle, because you count.

How Oliver Olson Changed the World by Claudia Mills: To Jack–Change the world!

Just What Mama Needs by Sharlee Glenn: For Halle–Who, I know, is just what Mama needs!

Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson: For Elaine–Because books free minds!

Princess Academy by Shannon Hale: For Princess Halle–You are wonderful!

Bedtime at the Swamp by Kristyn Crow: Halle–There might be a monster in this book. YIKES! Keep reading!

Aren’t those fabulous? Those simple words make me love each of the authors even more. (Remind me to show you fun drawings from a book signing with illustrator Nathan Hale sometime.)

So when you’re daydreaming about the day your book will really be in print, don’t forget to think of a line that’s short but meaningful you can put with your signature! I know I’ve got mine tucked away…