Happy New Year!

So, What’s NEW?

This book was definitely a gift to me from the universe. I already had another story, “Elliott, the Mouse, and the Good Deed,” written and was mulling over illustration ideas when “These Old Shoes” stomped all over my plans! It’s fun and lyrical and out-and-out makes me happy!

I woke up one morning with the repeating stanza, “With a Hop! Hop! Skip! Jump! Tippytoe and Run! These old shoes have lots of fun!” running rampant in my head, so I sat down with my cup of coffee and let it run right through my pen onto the pages of my notebook. What resulted is this easy-to-read, somewhat familiar, naturally interactive, concept book for kids learning to count.

So, What’s NEXT?

I had a request for an Easter book. (Thank you, Cindy!) As often happens, ideas sprout while I sleep, and I woke up thinking about the Easter eggs and baskets that my dear relatives, Bill and Marcy, hid in the woods behind their house when I was a kid. TA-DA! “Chaos in Easter Woods” was born! I don’t have the cover designed yet, but here’s a first peak at some of the art.

Unless the stars align differently, after “Chaos in Easter Woods,” I will get back to illustrating “Elliott, the Mouse, and the Good Deed.” It’s the tale of Elliott’s journey to deliver a good deed. (Thank you, Janet, for brainstorming endings with me . . .. I think you will like it!)

So, What ELSE?