Sasquatch has gone completely freelance with it's design staff of late, so no one aside from little old me will really "design" anything until they have all of the final art? I like having mucho influence in such a process, but then again it's also VERY nice to have some help. I'd love to hear what some opinions on this particular option. Cheers!.jpg)
PS It's kind of a count down book for the pre-k set, thus option No. 2 with the screened-in numbers.
A brief interview with Besty Byars, Betsy Duffey, and Laurie Myers, was posted recently at www.childrenslit.com. They about their inspirations as writers and readers, and give us just a few hints about the origins of DOG DIARIES. Enjoy!
One of the really fun, non-homebody, parts of my job is visiting schools. This past week I embarked on a mini-tour of sorts, visiting 5 different elementary schools in three different towns -- and a public library for good measure -- in four days. 
All totalled, I spoke with nearly 1500 kids, shared some "festival" time with fellow author Peggy King Anderson, AND I met the newly christened National Teacher of the Year, Andrea Peterson. Kids and teachers alike were very welcoming. I've done numerous visits in the past, but this was one of the first times that schedules aligned in such a way to make such a concentrated effort a possibility. This is also the first time that I have ever remembered to bring a camera! Darrington, Enumclaw and Granite Falls all have their scenic allure - as each is tucked away near the western Cascades - but Darrington Elementary, with its jagged snow-capped peaks takes the cake. Enumclaw's Sunrise Elementary wins praise for the most creative (and flattering) "welcome author" decor, and Granite Falls was abuzz with some seriously enthususiastic readers, writers, AND illustrators!
Aroooo.... My latest book debuted today! Dig it up at your favorite brick & mortar bookseller or online at this new and neatly convenient locale.
With much thanks to author/illustrator Jeff Newman, of Hippo, No Rhino fame, I am the proud winner of a recent contest! I'm very excited to post pics of my prize when it arrives. Hippo, by the way, is a very cool book and a recipiant of the most recent SCBWI Golden Kite Honors Award for Illustration. Way to go Jeff!
To Willie's constant surpise, even the slightest friction between thumb and index finger, would always wake them up...
