I NEED YOUR HELP! Only hours left

Please if you have not voted... please please please VOTE!!!

I need your help, Tilly's Tale has been nominated for Best Children's Book and for Best Artwork in the Preditors & Editors Awards.
Voting opens on New Years Day so I hope you'll vote and get all your family and friends to do so too. The author Harry Porter (aka Brian Porter) also has another book nominated, 'Legacy of the Ripper' is also in the Best Thriller Category. The publisher of Tilly's Tale 4RV Publishing llc has also been nominated!
You just have to check the box next to the title, then click on 'vote' at the bottom of the page. You then receive an email asking you to click on a link to confirm each vote and that's it! Voting is very strict. You can only vote once from one ISP. They do check all votes and an entry can be disqualified for attempted ballot stuffing or voting fraud. If you check out the P & E website the rules are there. The only way you can vote twice is by using a different email address from a separate computer. I have included the links below to make is super easy to vote! Thank you everyone for your support!

Mandy

Best Childrens: Tilly's Tale
http://www.critters.org/predpoll/novelchildrens.shtml

Best Artwork: Tilly's Tale
http://www.critters.org/predpoll/artwork.shtml

Best thriller: Legacy of the Ripper
http://www.critters.org/predpoll/novelthrill.shtml

Publisher: 4RV Publishing
http://www.critters.org/predpoll/ebookpublisher.shtml

Author: Brian L Porter
http://www.critters.org/predpoll/author.shtm

Amazon!!!

Troy Truck Explores Maui is now available on Amazon! If you already own Troy Truck Explores Maui please log on and leave a review, if you have not bough one yet... jump on a buy one and leave a review! ; ) There are still a few books available through the publishers website that are signed by both the author (Julyn Watkins) and me the Illustrator (Mandy Hedrick)!

Coloring contest winners are in!

Please go to www.MandyHedrick.com to see who won!

Happy Holidays!

With Christmas only a few days away I thought I would wish everyone a
Happy Holiday.
I hope everyone gets to enjoy time with there family and loved ones this season!
Below is a Nutcracker that I inked for a Christmas program, thought I would share!

Nikki Shoemakers

Fellow illustrator Nikki Shoemaker has her first picture book What's Wrong with Mud? on sale between now and Dec. 18 contact her at www.nikkisartroom.com, for 25% off the orginal book list price . Her second book Lemur Troops is now available for pre order throught the publishers website www.4RVPublishingllc.com

Give the gift of reading, give a book!

Tilly's Tale and her photo opt

Tilly with her book!

Tilly’s Tale

Tilly is a small, scruffy terrier. When her master dies she is taken from his home by the old man’s son, who instead of looking after her, throws the little dog out into his garden where she is left to fend for herself through a freezing winter. Huddled beneath a bush, kicked by the man’s wife if she ventures out, Tilly lies, cold and miserable waiting for her only friends, the garden birds to return with the Spring. One day, the half-starved little dog is taken from the garden by the man and loaded into his car. She is about to embark on a journey into the unknown, a journey that will change Tilly’s life for ever. Share in the trials and tribulations of this remarkable little dog as she finds that life in the human world can be a cruel and lonely one, but that hope and the will to survive can bring about the most miraculous of changes. If you love dogs, you must read, Tilly’s tale!

New coloring page

There is a new Troy Truck coloring page available on www.TroyTruck.com, go print it out for your little ones!

Holiday discount

20% off Troy Truck Explores Maui!!!
*Holiday discount!!!

*use coupon code HOLIDAY at checkout. Offer good through December 31, 2009.
Jump on and order your signed copy of
Troy Truck Explores Maui today
supplies are limited!



Give the gift of reading, give a book this holiday season.

Win a FREE signed copy

Enter a coloring contest to win a FREE first edition signed copy of

Troy Truck Explores Maui
Written by Julyn Watkins
Illustrated by Mandy Hedrick.




Eligibility

Children in 3 to 8 years of age are eligible to participate.

Guidelines

1. Contestants must color their own entry, without assistance from others.
2. The picture may be decorated with crayons, markers, paint, pencils . . . any way you like.
3. Entries must be returned to mandja1@gmail.com by December 18th 2009
4. No purchase is necessary in order to enter.

Prizes

Two contest winners age 3-5 and 6-8 will be awarded each a signed copy of Troy Truck Explores Maui Written by Julyn Watkins Illustrated by Mandy Hedrick TJW Books, mail at the expense of Mandy Hedrick.

Send completed coloring sheet to:

Coloring Contest
mandja1@gmail.com

Important!
Be sure to include your name, home address, phone number, email address and age as indicated above. This information is confidential and will be used for distribution of prizes. The name and address portions must be completed correctly to receive the winning copy of the book. Winners will be announced and posted on www.mandyhedrick.com , http://mandyhedrick.blogspot.com/ and www.troytruck.com on December 21th 2009 winners will also be emailed. If you have any questions please email me at mandja1@gmail.com

Tilly's Tale has received a five star review!!!

I am very excited to say that the following review was published on www.amazon.com yesterday. Reviewer Fran Lewis has produced a review that in itself as full of emotion and I'm so pleased that Tilly's story was able to reach into and touch the heart of an experienced reviewer. Here is the review:

5.0 out of 5 stars Tilly: A Role Model for All Dogs and More, November 17, 2009
By Fran Lewis "Fran and Bertha" - See all my reviews
Tilly's Tale by Harry Porter
Reviewed by Fran Lewis

Abuse of any kind is wrong and totally unforgiveable. No matter what the reason is no one has to right to neglect a pet or a person leaving him or her in a state that causes him or her both physical and mental harm. Many times animals that are left unattended on the street or in this case in the outside yard, become sick, diseased and sad from the lack of love and care they once received. Tilly is a Bedlington/Glen of Imaal Crossbreed terrier who was loved and cared for by a man named Sam. When Sam died and left Tilly in the care of his son and his wife, poor Tilly's life became a real nightmare.

Sam's son wanted to take Tilly home and care for her as his father did when he was alive. But, his wife would not hear of it and this beautiful and wonderful dog was cast into the cold and left to practically fend for herself. Outside in the cold and damp weather Tilly became gaunt, thin and felt unloved. That is the worst thing anyone can do to a dog or anyone. Everyone needs a home and poor Tilly only wanted what she had before; a warm and loving family to take care of her and love her.

In Tilly's own words the author relates her experiences from the moment she felt abandoned to the moment she is taken to the Sanctuary to safety. Although the people at the Sanctuary are kind and caring, Tilly lets the reader know that she hopes that someday a family will come with a bright and shiny new leash just for her.

After weeks of hoping her dreams came true and Harry Porter and his family chose our Tilly to be a part of their family. Not only was she nurtured and cared for but she became part of a family of dogs that grew to love her and her them. Tilly is a rescue dog. In case you don't know what a rescue is, it is one that has been a victim of abuse at the hand of a human in one form or another.

Throughout this heartwarming tale we learn how Tilly becomes assimilated within this family and how she helps when tragedy strikes and when new dogs are added to her family. Tilly loves living with Harry and she is not just a rescue dog but has been trained to detect human DNA simply by identifying the scent. Tilly is smart, spunky bright. She has won contests and made her family proud. But, most of all she has overcome the fears and thoughts that haunted her before coming into this loving and great family.

Throughout the world there are many dogs and other animals that need homes and just want to be loved. This is a true story of a remarkable dog who did not give up on herself or humans. It is the story of a man named Harry Porter who has a heart of gold and has made rescuing dogs a major part of his life.

The illustrations add to the story by allowing the reader to see each of the dogs that are added to the family. The cover of the book with Tilly on it endears you to her even more just looking at her kind eyes and beautiful face. You feel as if she is speaking to you and personally telling you her story.

This is a must read for everyone and I think would be great for children to have read to them in school. I think that this would make a great addition to pet stores and rescue shelters when children or adults want to buy a pet or rescue one from the Sanctuary.

Harry Porter: You are really amazing. Tilly, no one will ever forget you or your family of special dogs. To learn more about her family and the other dogs in it, you will have to read Tilly's Tale and get the information from her.

*I give this book five Tilly's

Fran Lewis: reviewer

Tilly's Tale is available from the following sources:

4RV Publishing
Amazon.com
Barnes & Noble
Powell's Books

and in the UK from
Amazon.co.uk
Abebooks.co.uk

My books are out!

I am excited to announce that my first two illustrated book are now available. Troy Truck is currently available on the publishers website (click to order) there are a limited number of First Edition books that will be signed by both the Author and I, these will also be numbered copies. Troy Truck Explores Maui will soon be available through Amazon and Barnes and Noble. My second published book Tilly's Tale is currently available on the publishers website, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble. If you would like a copy of Tilly's Tale signed by me I will have a limited number books available that will be able to be purchased through me or I will sign the copy you have purchased elsewhere. Either book can be purchased through me, if you would like this option please contact me back by email. I have attached information on both books below. Thank you everyone for your support, and please forward on my blog information on to anyone you feel you enjoy these books!

Troy Truck
(3 - 8 years old)

Join Troy Truck, the solar powered and eco-friendly monster truck, as he explores the island of Maui. He sees incredible things and meets amazing animals on this great adventure. ‘Go Green’ is his motto. He loves this planet and hopes everyone will appreciate it, and all its creatures, and do their part in protecting this place that we all call home. There is a ‘Did You Know’ information section at the end of this book that is fun and educational. Printed in the USA on recycled paper.


Tilly's Tale
(8 - 12 years old)

Rescued when life looked bleak and her future uncertain, Tilly found love and a new purpose in her life. Read Tilly's story in her own "words," share the highs and the lows of her struggle to be loved and wanted, and be prepared to fall in love with this very special terrier. Printed in the USA.

First online review

Troy Truck has received his first online review! Thank you to www.Books4Moms.com for taking the time to review and post about Troy Truck Explores Maui. Please click here to be taken to the site so you can read the awesome review! If you would like a First Edition, numbered, and signed copy of Troy Truck Explores Maui please visit www.TroyTruck.com to order. Copies are limited so please order soon... once they are gone... they are gone...

Until next time.....


Give the gift of reading this holiday season.... give a book.

Tilly's Tale now available to purchase!

The Heart-warming

Tale of Tilly,

a Rescued Dog

Tilly’s Tale is the first in the Harry Porter’s Dog Tales series of books, an enchanting and captivating look at the lives of the many different dogs who live with the author and his family. Told in her own “words” Tilly’s Tale relates the sometimes sad, but ultimately uplifting story of this talented and intelligent little dog’s life, from her abandonment and unhappiness on the death of her owner to the full and happy times she now shares in Harry’s home. Rescued when life looked bleak and her future uncertain, Tilly found love and a new purpose in her life. Read Tilly’s own story, share the highs and the lows of her struggle to be loved and wanted, and be prepared to fall in love with this very special terrier.

Tilly's Tale is my second illustrated book to be published and is now available for purchase at the publishers website www.4RVpublishingllc.com This book will soon be available at all major book retailer locations (Amazon, Barnes and Noble and local stores soon). Please watch for my updates and email me on how to get a signed copy of this book!

Tilly's Tale

Samhainophobia is an intense fear of Halloween.

Halloween fun fact

A pumpkin is a berry in the cucurbitaceae family, which also includes melons, cucumbers, squash and gourds. All these plants are native to the Americas.

Halloween fun fact

Mexico celebrates 'The Day of the Dead' instead of Halloween.

Halloween coloring page

Enjoy a Troy Truck Halloween
coloring page!

Halloween

With its roots in Celtic cultures, Halloween is not celebrated in all countries and regions of the world, and among those that do the traditions and importance of the celebration vary significantly. Celebration in the United States has had a significant impact on how the holiday is observed in other nations. The history of Halloween traditions in a given country also lends context to how it is presently celebrated.

Halloween fun fact

Halloween is on October 31st, the last day of the Celtic calendar. It was originally a pagan holiday, honoring the dead. Halloween was referred to as All Hallows Eve and dates back to over 2000 years ago.

'Halloween" the movie was made in only 21 days in 1978 on a very limited budget.

Halloween fun fact

The current world record for giant pumpkins is 1446 pounds.

First reading

Today the author of Troy Truck Explores Maui, Julyn Watkins, and I had our first reading with an audience. It went very well, the children really enjoyed the story and the illustrations. It was so much fun to see their eyes light up and to hear all their thoughts on the book! They had so much fun taking the adventure with Troy Truck and us. We took them coloring pages and stickers, and of course they loved those also. It was so much fun sharing all our hard work, I just cannot wait to have another reading! If you would like to schedule a event with us click here.

Halloween fun fact

Black cats were once believed to be witch's familiars who protected their powers.

Halloween fun fact

Bobbing for apples is thought to have originated from the roman harvest festival that honors Pamona, the goddess of fruit trees.

Halloween fun fact

Jack o’ Lanterns originated in Ireland where people placed candles in hollowed-out turnips to keep away spirits and ghosts on the Samhain holiday.

Halloween was brought to North America by immigrants from Europe who would celebrate the harvest around a bonfire, share ghost stories, sing, dance and tell fortunes.

Halloween fun fact

Pumpkins also come in white, blue and green. Great for unique monster carvings!

h

The official Orange and Black colors of Halloween came from orange being associated with fall harvest and black symbolizing darkness and death.

Halloween fun fact

There are no words in the dictionary that rhyme with “orange”

Halloween fun fact

Of the pumpkins marketed domestically, 99% of them are used as Jack-o-lanterns at Halloween

Halloween fun fact

Approximately 82% of children and 67% of adults take part in Halloween festivities every year

Halloween fun fact

Halloween is the 8th largest card sending holiday. The first Halloween greeting is dated back to early 1900 and today consumers spend around $50 million dollars on Halloween cards each year.

Halloween fun fact

86% of Americans decorate their homes at Halloween

ha

The ancient Celts thought that spirits and ghosts wondered the streets on all Hallows Eve so they began wearing masks and costumes in order to not be recognized as human.

Halloween fun fact

Halloween, referred to as All Hallows Eve, was originally a pagan holiday in which they honored the dead. It was celebrated on October 31 since this was the last day of the Celtic calendar. The celebration dates back some 2,000 years.

Halloween fun fact

Tootsie Rolls were the first wrapped penny candy in America

Halloween fun fact

On Halloween, Irish peasants would beg the rich for food. For those that refused, they would play a practical joke. So, in an effort to avoid being tricked, the rich would hand out cookies, candy, and fruit – a practice that morphed into trick-or-treating today.

Halloween fun fact

The number one candy of choice for Halloween is Snickers

Halloween fun fact

Halloween is the third biggest party day of the year behind New Year’s and Super Bowl Sunday, respectively

Halloween fun fact

86% of Americans decorate their homes at Halloween

Halloween fun fact 4

Halloween is the second most commercially successful holiday, beat out only by Christmas.

Halloween fun fact 3

The U.S. consumer spends upwards of $1.5 billion on Halloween costumes annually and more than $2.5 billion on other Halloween paraphernalia, such as decorations, crafts, etc. More than $100,000 of that is said to be spent online.

Halloween fun facts 2

The jack-o-lantern tradition comes from an old Irish folk tale about a man named Stingy Jack. It was said that he was unable to get into heaven and was turned away from the devil because of his tricky ways. So he set off to wander the world looking for a resting place. For light, Stingy Jack used a burning coal ember in a hollowed out turnip. When the Irish immigrated to the U.S. during the Great Potato Famine of 1845-1850, they found that turnips were not as readily available like they were in the homeland. So they started carving pumpkins as a replacement for their tradition.

Halloween and some fun facts

This cute frog was just wanting to come out, I am sure it is because Halloween is right around the corner. I will be touching the "Witching Frog" up and adding some color, so be sure to check back soon. I will also be adding a new fun fact about Halloween everyday so I hope you stop back by!

Day one...

Of all the candy sold annually, one quarter of it is sold during Halloween time (September – November 10) making it the sweetest holiday of the year.

Wow... too cool!

I was so very privileged to be able to go and see Troy Truck Explores Maui being printed today! It was incredibly cool to see, and I learned a ton about the book making process. I was finally able to meet Bob Reese author/illustrator,owner of Aro Publishing and Disney animator on Sleeping Beauty with over 50 years in the business, which was a honor in its self, plus see my artwork being printed! All I can say is... today was a great day! : ) Below are some pictures of the author Julyn Watkins and I at the press.

make custom gifts at Zazzle

Pre Order

Troy Truck Explores Maui is officially available for pre order! Click on pre order to order your copy today. All pre ordered copies will be signed by both author Julyn Watkins and Me the illustrator : ) and shipped on 9/29/09! Books make great birthday and Christmas presents! We have officially received our first few pre orders very exciting!!! I cannot wait for everyone to see it and love it just as much a we do! The next book in the series Troy Truck Explores Yellowstone will be available Spring 2010!

And it is printing!

I am so very excited to say that Troy Truck Explores Maui is currently being printed!!! The picture below is the cover being ran with the first color... black or course. I am going to go to see the inside being printed in a couple of weeks! I will make sure to get plenty of pictures! This book has been a great experience and I am excited that I am able to see the whole process and to learn what happens with the book after I am finished with it!
; ) Not every illustrated gets this opportunity... and I am not going to miss out!
WOW... this is very exciting!!!

Dancing Frog?

While helping a friend out with a logo for a new business I came up with a few logos... and just loved this frog... so I felt the need to share with everyone!

New website up...

Okay not really new... but most defiantly improved!
I have been meaning to make some updates and changes... and well... I finally got around to it!
Take a look around and tell me what you think!

www.MandyHedrick.com

Thanks for taking a peek!

Book marks

I love when I get items in the mail that I have forgotten about!
My promotional book markers arrived today!
I love them!
I cannot wait to have somewhere to pass them out at!

A week already!

I cannot believe it has already been a week! Where is the time flying off to? I finished illustrating and designing Tilly's Tale Written by Harry Porter and published by 4RV Publishing it will be out this fall. I am excited to have it in my hands... of course!
For the moment I am fresh out of work, I have bid on a couple of projects but will not hear back for a while. I of course will be working on my own books illustrations... I hope to have Miss Isabelle's Bubblegum Ball published soon! ; )
I will also be working on a few printable coloring pages for Troy Truck, I will of course post those when they are finished and ready to be colored!
Please check back soon for updates!

Its UP!

My sister in law website it up and running www.hjhedrick.com
I have illustrated all the art work shown on her site, it goes along with her first book Heart Stone. She is currently looking for an agent. I cannot wait for it to be published it is a great book, and the great start to a series! Please click and check out her site and blog about updates in her adventure to be published!

Family Crest

This is an illustration for my sister in laws amazing sci-fi book that she is currently looking for an agent! The illustrations still needs a few touch ups but for the most part is finished! I can wait for the book to be out... it is seriously so good and everyone should buy a copy when it is released!
Heart Stone

Promotional Items....

So since I have been toying with the Troy Truck t-shirt design I wanted to have it printed to see if I would like it. I am always getting emails to have free things printed so I went with it. : ) I had to bags printed... and they turned out great! There are a couple of small things that I will make sure get corrected but for the most part I love them! Just thought I would share some pictures, and get some feedback!

What's Wrong with Mud?

What is better than… Imagination… and Mud!

This Combination of mud and imagination is described perfectly in

What’s Wrong with Mud?

Written by: Gillian Colley

Illustrated by: Nikki Shoemaker

Beautiful, fun, kid friendly illustrations paired with an awesome children’s story!

Playing in the mud is the perfect example of childhood play, and is fun for kids of all ages. There is nothing quite like the wonderfully, gooey texture of mud when it is mixed with just the right amount of water. With less water, the mud can be molded and shaped, and left to dry. It can be used to make the most creative mud pies, cakes, forts, and sculptures. Mud play provides children with a natural opportunity to experience an entire range of sensations. It sparks imaginations and inspires creativity.

Kids generally need very little encouragement to play in the mud. I’ve included some ideas of things to use for mud play, and have listed some playful ideas to get you started.

Assemble a Mud Play Bucket

• Old containers, such as margarine tubs, ice cream buckets, plastic peanut butter jars
• Large wooden or metal spoons
• Old measuring cups
• Plastic scoops, like those found in coffee cans
• Old pots, pans, or cake pans

Fun Things to Do In the Mud
Need a little help getting started? Here are some of our favorite things to do in the mud!

• Make mud pies and cakes! Use old containers to “bake” in, and different colored dirt. Once the mud pies and cakes are created, decorate with small pebbles, flowers, or leaves.
• Make mud houses! Use sticks for supports. Include tunnels, secret rooms, and even a moat!
• Make mud balls! Shape mud into balls by rolling the “dough” in your hands. Decorate the balls with flowers, leaves, rocks, or small twigs. Stack the mud balls on top of each other to create a unique sculpture.
• Make mud prints! Place your mud-covered hands and feet on a clean sheet of paper to make an impression. Sidewalks and driveways are good substitutes for paper!
• Draw in the mud! Use a stick and draw pictures in the mud. Easy to “erase” and start all over again.
• Make rivers and dams! Dig a river in the dirt and add water. Build a dam to form a small puddle.
• Don’t have a supply of dirt in your yard? Bring a couple of buckets to your local garden center and buy a bucket of clean fill, black dirt, and sand. The investment is very small, and the joy your kids will have are worth it!
• Use scrap lumber to build a small table or box that your kids can use for mud play activities. This will help keep the mud contained and can be set up anywhere in your yard, including on a patio or deck. If you prefer, buy a small wading pool to fill with dirt for mud play activities.
• The best soil for playing in the mud has a high clay content, this works great for making mud balls and sculptures.

Mud is just good, clean dirt that can be washed off easily. Go ahead! Play in the mud and have fun!

And of course I could never leave out a person that doesn’t like to get their hands dirty outside.

Enjoy some of your own mud right in your kitchen!

Mud Cookies

Ingredients

• 2 cups sugar
• 1/2 cup butter
• 3 tablespoons cocoa
• 1/2 cup evaporated milk or milk (I use evaporated milk)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/2 cup peanut butter (I use crunchy PB)
• 3 cups oatmeal (I prefer old fashioned oats, not quick cooking)

Directions

1. Combine butter, cocoa, sugar, and milk in a large saucepan.

2. Bring to a full boil, reduce heat and simmer for one minute stirring constantly.

3. Add vanilla and peanut butter mixing well.

4. Stir in oats.

5. Quickly drop onto waxed paper by the spoonful or desired amount.

6. Let cool and enjoy.

7. Do not under or over cook ingredients in saucepan. Once oats are stirred in drop onto wax paper immediately. I do not suggest in double batching this particular recipe.

Or

Mississippi Mud Cookies

Ingredients

• 2 cups white sugar
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup milk
• 3 cups rolled oats
• 6 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/2 cup flaked coconut
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. Bring sugar, milk and butter to boil. Boil for 2 minutes and remove from heat.
2. Stir in cocoa and vanilla. Stir in remaining ingredients to coat well.
3. Drop onto waxed paper by the tablespoonfuls. Cool and enjoy!

Thanks for stopping by the What’s Wrong with Mud Virtual Book Tour.

Nikki is giving away 3 themed tote bags and there are 3 ways to enter to win!

1. Copy/paste the book tour schedule onto your blog and leave a comment on Nikki’s blog to let her know that you posted on or before Saturday, July 11.
2. Create your own blog post promoting What’s Wrong with Mud?

(You can contact Nikki for the Cover image and an interview to post if you want to)

3. Stop by each blog on the Book Tour and leave a comment on each including Nikki’s blog (on or before Saturday, July 11), to let her know to enter you into the drawing.

If you enjoyed the book tour and would like a autographed copy of What’s Wrong with Mud? please email Nikki Shoemaker, nikki.shoemaker@yahoo.com for more details.

Tour Schedule

Monday, July 6 - Rena Jones

Tuesday, July 7 - Crystalee Calderwood and Mandy Hedrick

Wednesday, July 8 - Wendy Martin and Roberta Baird

Thursday, July 9 - Linda B. Rodgers and Carli Moua

Friday, July 10 - Diana Jenkins

Saturday, July 11 - Nikki Shoemaker wrapping up book tour and announcing winners.

Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass... It's about learning to dance in the rain.
-Unknown

Tilly's Tale

So... I am happy to say... I am half way finished illustrating my second book Tilly's Tale. It is a great book about a rescued dog and her story about her life in her own words! I am excited for everyone to read it and to see all the fun illustrations! It will be coming soon! I hope everyone loves the cover as much as I do!

T shirts anyone?

I have been missing working on Troy Truck, we have become great pals over these last few months. This t shirt idea has been wondering around in my mind for a few days and I thought I would finely put it to paper, it is not perfect and I am sure it will be changed a few times before I am happy with it, but I thought that I would share : ) The illustrations for Troy Truck Explores Maui have been sent off to be typeset and I cannot wait to see the finished book, it is still a few weeks off and I will be counting down the days!

What's Wrong with Mud Virtual Book Tour!

What’s Wrong with Mud Virtual Book Tour.

Coming soon July 5th - July 11th

Please stop back soon for more information!

BLOG Tour for A New Job for Dilly

Rena Jones author of A New Job for Dilly is kicking of her blog tour please check it out!

June 21st – Sherrie Petersen
http://solvangsherrie.blogspot.com/

June 22nd – Beth Reinke
http://bethbencereinke.com/blog/

June 23rd – Elysabeth Eldering
http://jgdsseries.blogspot.com/

June 24th – Sharon Spray
http://mamasharonsays.blogspot.com/

June 25th – Adrienne Saldivar
http://a-saldivar.blogspot.com/

June 26th – Nikki Shoemaker

http://www.pinkpencil.blogspot.com/

June 27th – Vivian Zabel
http://vivianzabel.blogspot.com/

Celebrations!!!

Julyn (author of the Troy Truck series) and I at lunch celebrating the illustrations being finished and one step closer to the book being printed!!!

We are both very excited to be on this adventure and cannot wait for the book to be on store shelves please check back for more information on publication dates!

Cover!!!

So I am excited to say the cover has been completed! Enjoy!

color... color... color

So at this point I am about 1/3 of the way through the coloring of Troy Truck Explores Maui! I am very excited and it is so much fun to get each picture finished and one closer to it being published! I am going to try working on the front and back cover over the weekend... so you never know what you might get to see next week!
I hope you enjoy page 24!

“Fantasy, if it’s really convincing can’t become dated for the simple reason that it represents a flight into a dimension that lies beyond the reach of time.” – Walt Disney

A picture is a poem

without words.
Horace

There's no retirement for an artist, it's your way of living so there's no end to it.
::: Henry Moore :::

Here I go...

So today I finished my first round of illustrations. They have been sent out to the writer for approval. I can't wait to get them back so I can get started!!! : )

Trucks anyone?

I recently have been bidding on a childrens book here are a few of the illustrations. The book is about an eco friendly monster truck that goes exploring Maui... It is such a cute kid friendly story line, I am very excite to illustrate this book!

WoW... is this really happening?!?

So.... I am starting a blog so everyone can keep up to date with what I am working on. I will be posting my latest creations. So please leave your comments on my progress!