You may have noticed that I haven’t posted a new Picture Books At The Library list is several weeks. The reason I haven’t is because my library was in the process of moving into a brand-new building and no new items, books or media, had been ordered or received for the collection during that time.

But now we are all settled into our beautiful, modern, two-story, built-from-the-ground up, completely new building, and ordering has resumed. Items that had been on hold at our vendors have been arriving, including picture books. That means I’ll be posting a list of shiny new picture books next Monday.

In the meantime, for your viewing pleasure, I’ve got pictures of the new Community Library of DeWitt & Jamesville to share with you.

*All photos are the property of the Community Library of DeWitt & Jamesville

Front Entrance of the Community Library of DeWitt & Jamesville

A view of the upper and lower levels of the Library

One of the coolest spaces in the Library is the teen room. We call it the Vault.

The Provisions Express cafe in the Library’s lobby

This is me standing on the outdoor patio. The photo was taken through the window from inside the Library and you can see the books reflected in the glass.

The Library also features the Hive, our makerspace for all sorts of creative endeavors, several community rooms for group meetings and tutoring, a green roof with solar panels and plants (including chives, Angelina stonecrop, and Aizoon stonecrop), and a spacious, colorful children’s room with a gorgeous mural depicting the Erie Canal, done by local artists Elliott Mattice and Kathy Maio. Here’s one section of the three-piece mural:

The centerpiece of the Library’s Erie Canal themed mural by Elliott Mattice and Kathy Maio

If you’re ever in the neighborhood, stop by, say hi, and check out our new Library (and a few picture books, too)! 🙂

**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.