So, um, I have some news.
When this announcement went out some months back, I was so caught up in the whirlwind of congratulations and wonderfulness that I neglected to mention it here, and for that I am sorry. But now we can celebrate again, right? Always look on the bright side!
When I first wrote this manuscript back in 2011, it was a melancholy time, and I was a newbie picture book writer, and everyone who read it said it was lovely, but.
BUT.
And for a while, that But-with-a-capital-B stopped this manuscript in its tracks. There was more where that came from, after all. So I stuck it in a drawer and chalked it up to practice and kept on writing.
BUT,
this little book wouldn't leave me alone. So I asked a trusted writer friend for feedback -- something beyond "It's lovely, but." And I kept picking at it, tweaking it, working it between my fingers. Picture books are wonderful that way. A little kneading and they can turn into something magical. And after quite a bit of kneading, my agent told me she loved it.
I am so, so thrilled that Tamar Brazis at Abrams loved it, too, and I am thrilled beyond belief that Jen Corace loved it enough to want to illustrate it.
Jen is brilliant and fierce and a wizard, and I cannot wait to see her bring this story to life!
But you don't have to wait until 2019 to hold Jen Corace's beautiful art in your hot little hands. You can find her other books here.
Moreover, she has designed a print in order to raise funds for DACA recipients. Children who were brought to the United States by their parents want nothing more than to have the chance to contribute to their communities, and everything good they do benefits every American. They deserve to stay, and helping them is in everyone's best interests. Prints are $20, and the proceeds are being donated to CASO's DACA Relief Fund.
I've ordered my copy of this print, and I will proudly display it in my home. You can get your copy here.
Thanks for stopping by.