Simple Way to Win a Copy of Poodle and Doodle

Just go here: http://mymcbooks.wordpress.com/2012/01/22/book-reviewgiveaway-poodle-doodle-ends-feb-11th/#comments and leave a comment and you're in the running to win. Can't get much easier than that!

Enter for a copy of Baby Jesus Is Missing by Dixie Phillips

Phillips and Phillips Music is giving away a free copy of Dixie's book "Baby Jesus is Missing." To enter the drawing, visit this link - http://www.phillipsandphillipsmusic.com/free-christmas-book.html, click on CONTACT US and write your name, email, and tell us in 50 words or less how you plan to keep JESUS in Christmas this year. One lucky winner will be announced December 14th. They will cover the shipping too! Merry Christmas!

Take Your Child to a Bookstore Day - Today!

Originally the brainchild of author Jenny Milchman, the idea has caught fire, and now many bookstores across the nation are participating. This Saturday would be a great day to take your child to a bookstore.

PiBoIdMo

This month I've participated in the PiBoIdMo or Picture Book Idea Month. The goal is to come up with 30 ideas for picture books by November 30. At first, I thought, why that's easy-peasy! I'm always coming up with fantastic ideas. Ha! At about idea 18 or so, I hit a wall. I would come up with what I thought was a brilliant concept, only to do a little research and find that someone else had already written it.

So, while I was on Amazon, I came up with a way to brainstorm. I would simply read titles. No descriptions. It's amazing how a good title can spark other ideas. Then I'd go back to read about the books, and rarely - simply from a title, did my idea match what the other author had written. It was fun way to research what was already out there while I brainstormed. As always - I'm multi-tasking.

The challenge is over for 2011, but if you write for children, you should consider participating next year. I'm glad I did!

Here's the link to the blog. Tara Lazar has posted many great interviews and tips from authors.

http://taralazar.wordpress.com/

Coloring Pages, Hidden Picture Puzzles, and Fun Activities for the Kids

If you visit Topsy Turvy Land, you'll find all kinds of fun things to keep your children entertained and educated, too.

http://donnashepherd.blogspot.com/search/label/Teacher

Kevin Scott Collier

I want to introduce you to a new page for kids who like to draw. Kevin Scott Collier has taught illustration classes, giving kids art tips for almost 30 years. Now he is taking much of that to the internet via YOUNG ARTIST WORKSHOP.

http://artistworkshop.blogspot.com/

Drawing Dotty!

This is SO cool. My good friend, Kevin, did a video where he draws Dotty for us. She looks sweet as always. Thanks, Kevin, for giving us a behind-the-scenes look at how you work. Fun!