Remarkably Bright Creatures(106)

To my mom, Meridith Ellis, for showing me how strong a person can be. She’s loving and caring and tough as hell. She can still probably crush me in a bench press or a timed mile, but I know she’ll always be there for me with a warm hug and a long talk over a glass of wine.

To my dad, Dan Johnson, who taught me to read when I was in preschool. I owe my love of books to him. He has always been my biggest champion, and I am so grateful for him.

To my wonderful kids, Annika and Axel, who are probably too young to remember much about that weird year when we were all stuck in the house during a global pandemic and Mommy decided, bafflingly, that this was the year to finish her novel. Thank you for playing together peacefully (most of the time) when I needed to throw on my headphones and work. Thank you for your silliness and your wild imaginations, which brought sweet moments of levity when life got heavy. Thank you to Netflix, along with screen time limits that went out the window in 2020. Thank you to snacks. So many snacks. Thank you to juice boxes!

Finally, thank you to my husband, Drew, who has supported and encouraged me every single day on this journey to take my writing from hobby to career. He is my toughest beta reader, but in the best possible way, and is always willing to look over whatever bizarre thing I’ve written and offer insight. There is no one I’d rather be on this ride with. I love you.





About the Author


Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, SHELBY VAN PELT lives in the suburbs of Chicago with her family. This is her first novel.

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