Sock Monkey Alert

My new Sock Monkey book is on it's way to a bookstore near you!  Check out http://tinyurl.com/cqzof2l if you want to see.   Gotta love the sock monkeys.

'How?' It's here!

It's out!  Owl Kids Books has released my newest book called 'How? The most awesome question and answer book about nature, animals, people, places - and you!'
"How' was quite an undertaking with almost 100 spreads it took us about 14 months to complete.   Barb Kelly did the layout for the book and an amazing job of pulling it all together.  I have to admit I opened my first copy with a bit of trepidation because the whole process had been quite a challenge.  But after checking it out, and friend's telling me the book looks great, I've decided I'm happy too. I guess most of us are a bit more critical of our own work.
This is a follow up to 'Why?' both written by the talented Catherine Ripley. We have pretty big boots to fill since 'Why?' is still going strong after 10 years and has sold over 120,000 copies.  In fact the Chicago Tribune chose 'Why' as the holiday gift to give in 2010.
Other news to report is that I have a few books out at publishers now waiting to hear back. I've really pumped up the writing aspect of my work.  I'm primarily an illustrator but have enjoyed writing 6 books to date so here's hoping I can talk some publishers into doing more.
One book I'm working on with my good friend Kari Lynn Winters is proving to be a lot of fun.  I'll attach a rough sketch here... not sure it will make it into the book but I'm sure having fun drawing.

Sock Monkeys and Bologna

Well I guess I've been busy, can't believe how long it's been since I last wrote here.
Still looking forward to the release of 'How' the enormous q+a book I did with OwlKids.
Right now I'm working on a book on Sock Monkeys, which impresses some people no end. It's great to be working with Adams Media again. I have to say it's a lot of fun and I never thought I would be sitting around coming up with sock monkey puzzles.
I've started doing a cartoon with Daily Commercial News (http://tinyurl.com/7qawd5l). It seemed like a natural progression after the review of 'Look at that Building'
I'm sorry to be missing out on the book fair in Bologna this year but at least I have some artwork on display thanks to the great people at SCBWI - you can go here to see everyone's illustrations: http://tinyurl.com/7fprfx9 I plan to make it again next year for sure. Hope everyone who goes has a great time.

Newspaper interview

Thanks to a recent book I did, called Look at that Building, I was interviewed by the Daily Commercial News, an online news source out of Ontario. It's a publication covering the world of construction. It's great to see a publication like this take an interest in kid's books. It doesn't happen often but when it does it makes you realize what a great fit it is. Kids grow up to be adults so why not involve them in your business at an early age.

Thanks Daily Commercial News!

To see the interview please visit: http://tinyurl.com/85k623o