1 Zany Book Launch

I had my book launch for 1 Zany Zoo on Saturday and it was a huge success!  Ruth and Pam at Barnes & Noble did a fantastic job setting up the children's area and getting the word out in the preceding weeks.   I did my part by emailing friends and spreading the word on Facebook.
  

I made goodie boxes for the kids with animal-themed items and Cheerios Treats to tie in the contest.

One of the best things I did (at the suggestion of another writer - can't remember who) was to have my friends and family autograph a copy of my book.  It's going to be a wonderful keepsake!

We had a great turnout - more than 90 people came and we sold 102 books - it far exceeded my expectations!  Thanks to everyone who took the time to help me celebrate the release of 1 Zany Zoo!   

Interview With Illustrator, Colin Jack

Check out this awesome interview with Colin Jack, the illustrator of 1 ZANY ZOO!  It's so interesting to get a behind the scenes look at this extremely talented illustrator!

Colin Jack Interview

My Book Hit's The Shelves Today - Virtually

Today is the release day of 1 Zany Zoo.  I've had this date marked on my calendar for nearly a year - my work calendar, purse calendar, home calendar, both laptop calendars and google calendar.  You might say I was a little focused on this day.  So, why aren't I standing outside my local bookstore, waiting for it to open so I can finally see my book on the shelf?  


Because - my book will only be available online!  Apparently, bookstores are choosing to primarily carry authors with a "track record" in their stores.  This has been a huge disappointment to me - not only because I can't walk in to any bookstore and find my book on the shelf but, more importantly, potential readers can't!  


From the first time I saw the phenomenal cover Colin Jack drew, I knew it would be a magnet for children and their parents.  Then they'd open the book and start reading and looking at the equally fantastic illustrations on every page, and they wouldn't be able to resist it!  Well, that was the dream anyway.


So, I'm very excited my book is officially released - really!  I just need to adjust the dream :-)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY 1 ZANY ZOO!

School Library Journal Review

1 Zany Zoo was reviewed in the July edition of the School Library Journal.  I'm pretty happy with it - here's an excerpt:


" . . . Degman's giggle-inducing rhymes move this read-aloud story along: "2 sporty zebras in goggle and flippers / were snipping the walrus's whiskers with clippers. / One did the combing, the other the trimming, / They swept up the clippings, then all four went swimming."  Kids will enjoy hearing the catchy rhymes read multiple times.  Digital cartoon images, made to appear like hand-drawn ink sketches, capture the swift movement and playful mood.  Overall, this is a fun romp through the zoo."

1 Zany Zoo Launch Party on July 24 - HELP!!

My launch party is going to be at Barnes & Noble at Hawthorn Mall in Vernon Hills, on July 24th from 2:00 - 3:00, and I need help!


I'm trying to think of a fun craft to do with Cheerios. Does anyone have any brilliant ideas?


Also, I'm having book signing anxiety! It doesn't help that my handwriting is worse than a third grader's (new game show?). Because the zookeeper's key plays an key role (can't help myself) in the story, I want to write something like "Reading unlocks doors to your future" or "unlock your imagination - read". What do you think?


If you're in the area on July 24th - I'd love to have you stop by for a bit :-)