And The Winner Is… (plus February’s Prize)

In January, I posted about a year-long giveaway that I’m offering here on Frog on a Blog–a new prize each month for folks who comment on blog posts. With so much negative energy floating around in the world, especially in recent months, I decided I wanted to do something positive, something to show my gratitude to my followers, fans, and friends for their support.

The first prize offered, for the month of January, was a signed copy of my picture book The Peddler’s Bed.

Final Final Cover

And the winner is…

Heather Stinnett

Congratulations Heather! Please contact me by clicking HERE. I need your address and how you’d like your book signed.

This month’s prize is a Curious George plushie, all decked out for Valentine’s Day.

Comment on this post or any post during the month of February for your chance to win. For more information on how to qualify for prizes, click HERE.

Due to contest/sweepstakes regulations in other countries, this giveaway is available to U.S. residents only. I’m very sorry fans and followers from other nations. I still appreciate you! All winners are chosen at random.

It’s Official: The Peddler’s Bed Book Birthday + You’re Invited To The Party + The Giveaway Winner!

**Today is the official release day of my debut children’s picture book The Peddler’s Bed, illustrated by Bong Redila and published by Ripple Grove Press!**

I’m super excited to share this news with all of you! I have a lot to tell you about today, including the “when” and “where” of my book launch party and the announcement of the Giveaway winner, but before I get to that I want to thank everyone who has encouraged my writing endeavors, everyone who has followed Frog on a Blog, and everyone who has preordered a copy of my book. All of your support means so much to me. Thank you! 🙂

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You’re Invited To A Book Birthday Party!

What’s the best way to celebrate the launch of a book? You have a birthday party, of course, and everyone’s invited!

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I’ve Been Profiled!

My publisher, Ripple Grove Press, posted a short profile of me, in the form of an interview, on their website. Find out more about me as an author-who my idols are, where I get my inspiration, what my favorite picture books are, and more by clicking on the Key.

Ripple Grove Press

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My Pledge

For every 100 copies of The Peddler’s Bed sold for a period of one year (between Sept. 1 2015 and Sept. 1 2016), I pledge to donate one copy to a U.S. school or public library or to another organization that works to put books into the hands of children.

If you are a U.S. school or public librarian or are affiliated with a children’s literacy organization, and would like to receive a copy of The Peddler’s Bed, please use the form on my Contact page to submit your organization for consideration.

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Giveaway Winner

Congratulations to Suzanne Knox!

She is the winner of one signed copy of The Peddler’s Bed plus two blank books to share with an emerging author! Suzanne, use the form on my Contact page to send me your address and the name of who you’d like me to sign the book to–and I’ll get your winnings out to you asap. Thank you to everyone who left a comment on the Emerging Authors post and shared it!

{a rainbow of blank books waiting to be filled with the colors of imagination}

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A Request

Authors feel uncomfortable asking this, but it really does make a difference–those of you who have read or plan to read The Peddler’s Bed, please consider leaving an honest review on Amazon, B&N.com, or Goodreads. I’d really appreciate it.

A big thank you, once again, to all of my supporters, blog and social media followers, book readers, and fans! You’re the best! 🙂

The Legend Of Dust Bunnies: A Fairy’s Tale by Michelle Eastman (PLUS a Special Giveaway!)

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Title: The Legend of Dust Bunnies: a fairy’s tale

Author: Michelle Eastman

Illustrator: Kevin Richter

Publisher/Year: Byway Press/2014

Back Cover Blurb: Join the Dust Fairies on their messy nighttime adventures, and discover how one misfit fairy uses his talent to create something legendary. His story will have families looking at dust bunnies in a new light and may actually give kids an excuse NOT to clean their rooms.

Before I begin my review, I want to report that the Dust Fairies are frequent visitors to my house and, in fact, I do believe they were here just last night. Now, let’s get to the review.

The Legend of Dust Bunnies: a fairy’s tale answers a question many of us have had, probably for a very long time–Where in the world does all that dust come from? And the answer is Dust Fairies! Dust Fairies come out at night and spread, not just dust, but also crumbs, soot, and cobwebs. And they take pride in their work, all of them, except Artie, a freckle-faced fairy who prefers collecting lint, fur, and hair to spreading around dust and crumbs. Because he’s different from the other fairies, he feels lonely and outcast, so he decides to make himself a friend, and thus the Dust Bunny is born. When the others see his new pal, they each beg to have one too, and Artie, proud of his creation, is happy to oblige.

Together, author Michelle Eastman and illustrator Kevin Richter have created an enchanting fairy world that exists right alongside our world. Michelle’s rollicking, rhyming text is fun to read. And the story moves along at a comfortable, easy pace. Kevin’s colorful Dust Fairy characters are sure to be a hit with even the pickiest fairy fanatics. For me, the best part is the adorable Dust Bunnies, each one a perfect match to his Dust Fairy.

Speaking of Dust Bunnies, how would you like to win one? Michelle is generously giving away one copy of The Legend of Dust Bunnies: a fairy’s tale along with a super cute Dust Bunny to keep for your very own! All you have to do is 1. Leave a comment on this post, and 2. Share this post on social media (Twitter, Facebook, blog, etc.) A winner will be chosen at random on Friday, May 29. Good luck!

Michelle Eastman’s Dust Bunny Adoption Kits

The Night Before The Night Before Christmas By Jay Dee (Plus a Giveaway!)

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Title: The Night Before The Night Before Christmas

Author: Jay Dee

Illustrator: Darren Geers

Publisher/Year: Kraine Kreative/2014

Summary: At Santa’s workshop, the night before the night before Christmas is hardy a time to rest. The elves work tirelessly to get the final toys made before Christmas Eve, but Elfie just can’t keep pace. He spends too much time making his toys perfect, and when Santa comes to check on production, everyone is surprised by his reaction.

The Night Before The Night Before Christmas is a beautifully illustrated, timeless tale with a twist. It is the night before Christmas Eve and all of Santa’s elves are at work making the final toys for Santa to deliver to all the good girls and boys the very next night. Main character Elfie is a likable little fellow who takes pride in his work. And he wants the toys he makes to be perfect. His perfectionism is something many of us can relate to; I sure can. But unfortunately for Elfie, this is no time to be perfect. Or is it?

My favorite part of the story, besides the spectacular full-page illustrations, is that Santa himself knows the reason for the season, or put another way, Santa knows the true meaning of Christmas and who and what it is that makes Christmas special. You have to be open to what I call a “time paradox” (the twist) at the end of the story, if you are, I’m confident that you and your children will embrace the feel-good message presented here. Overall, The Night Before The Night Before Christmas is a sweet story about a very special Christmas gift.

Giveaway:

I am giving away a copy of The Night Before The Night Before Christmas, generously donated by the author, to one lucky person. To qualify for the giveaway, you must 1) follow this blog and 2) comment on this post. I will choose a winner at random, who I will contact via e-mail for a mailing address. Sorry, this giveaway is open to U.S. residents only. You have until December 7, 2014 to qualify.

Please share this review and giveaway on social media. Thank you!

Update (12/8/2014): Congratulations to Linda Kautzman, the winner of The Night Before The Night Before Christmas! Thank you to everyone who entered and commented on this post. Look for more chances to win picture books in the future!