The June 2010 issue of Real Simple magazine has a “Good for Dad” gift guide inside. Featured is my “Budget Cuts” savings bank that helps you simplify your savings strategy. You know, it clarifies the important things in life to save for, like donuts and underwear. Waaaay better than a football, if you ask me.

Or, you could ask Ralphie.

They’re the luckiest people in the world! Speaking of which, there’s a whole magazine just for People, you know? And, in June 2010’s issue, sandwiched between Joran van der Sloot and Tori Spelling you’ll find a handy dandy gift guide for Dads featuring my Pizza Boss 3000, which is a pizza wheel that handles like a circular saw.

And do you know why you rock, Ms. Rachael Ray? Because you choose cool items to feature in your magazine, and you chose one of mine again!

Here’s Twiggy, which is a silicone basting brush shaped like a twig. Hence, the name.

It’s in the June 2010 issue…get your barbecue on, people!

It was a beautiful day in the neighborhood! Here are a few scenes from my recent book signing at Barrington Books on May 15th.

The amazing Mary Jane Begin was signing at the same time as me:

Her Willow Buds books are adorable!

Also signing later that day were Karen Dugan and Richard Evan Schwartz.

Karen has created some gorgeous books! Richard is a math guy who found a cool way to integrate math concepts into a colorful monster book.

Bonus! Lesley and Marin were there, too!

Many thanks to the staff of Barrington Books and to Anika Denise for arranging this fun day!

I received an unexpected package from Highlights the other day. I do a lot of work for them, but I couldn’t figure out what might be in this mysterious box.
It was THIS!

It’s the 2009 High Five Cover of the Year Award, a.k.a. a Pewter Plate Award. I know you can’t see it in the picture, but it’s all specially engraved for me, mentioning the specific cover shown here, “Let’s Read!”

I am very honored to receive this, because frankly, there is a LOT of beautiful art on and between the covers in any given Highlights/ High Five issue. Thank you, Highlights staff!

Took a day with Mom and went to the antiques haven that is Brimfield. If you like to scrounge around through old stuff, then this is the place for you!

Hundreds upon hundreds of dealers…thousands of weird items…

Here’s my mom considering a new sewing machine:

They have things you wished you could take home:

Any home would be enhanced if it had a ride-on squirrel! (more…)

Oh, Mr. Blog, you have been ignored long enough.
There are many fine things going on here in the studio, but for now, here are three, count ‘em, THREE, book-related snippets!

Thing One:

It’s official! I have a new book coming out in March 2011, and I couldn’t be happier. It’s called “What Does a Seed Need?” and will be published by Grosset/Penguin. I wrote and illustrated it myself, and it will have fun-o-rama flaps and interactive bits. I will show pictures of it when I can!

Thing Two:

Last year, I illustrated a biography about Christopher Columbus, written by the delightful Marion Dane Bauer, that was designed for preschoolers. It was available only through the Scholastic Book Clubs (you know, those brochures that the kids bring home). Well, THIS year starting in August, you will be able to find the trade version at Regular Bookstores Near You! That makes me happy.

Thing Three:

I’m signing copies of my book What Kind of Rabbit Are You? at the Barrington Books Children’s Book Week Event. Barrington Books is a fabulous bookstore located (surprise!) in Barrington, RI. Signing with me at the same time (10 am-12pm) is the amazing Mary Jane Begin. There will be authors there from 10-4, so that would be a good day to come, right? Crafts and other fun stuff will be going on during the day. Come on down and say “hi”!

There you go… book news x 3!

Rachael Ray, you’re the tops. Once again, one of my designs has turned up in her monthly magazine, specifically April 2010!
The item is called Budget Cuts, and it’s a piggy bank with various budget-related “cuts” outlined on it. Get it?? Haha! So you, too, can save your pennies for lottery tickets and donuts. Mmmmm, donuts.

Here’s how it looks all by itself, from the FRED site:

Arrival at sunset.

Once again, the marvelously beautiful acreage of the Alton Jones campus welcomed us to the Whispering Pines Writer’s Retreat! It is always such a treat to head into the woods and live amongst authors, illustrators, and book lovers of all kinds for a few days.

We were swept into the experience right away with good food, drinks, and a First Pages panel. Folks had anonymously submitted first pages of their works in progress and were able to get first impressions from the panel.

All ears on the first pages.

The panel: Agent Rebecca Sherman, Assistant Editor Connie Hsu, Associate Editor Alexandra Penfold, Author Cynthia Lord. (more…)

Have you noticed a certain aura of Wonderland in the air? It’s everywhere! As it turns out, the local Swamp Meadow Community Theater is putting on it’s own version of the beloved children’s classic. I am helping out with costume designs, directing, and playbill design:

SO, if you’re in the RI area (or heck, even CT or Mass), come on over and see the show. Dates are April 30, May 1,2,7,8,9. We have a huge cast, crazy unexpected staging and details, and an experience that will be enjoyed by all ages. It will sell out, so reserve tickets here!