Back in the saddle again...

Finally, after the move and craziness of the holidays, I'm back to work on the next book. Wright On Time -Minnesota, which is book 5 of the series, is finally underway. Here is the cover for now. I've been drawing over the past week and an getting there with the interiors.

More coming soon.
T.

Chandler Christian School, Baby the Llama and Sheriff Joe Arpaio

Today, I visited Chandler Christian School to participate in their annual "Have A Heart for Books Storybook Station." I was one of their "celebrity readers" spending a little while with the students and sharing with them my love for books. It is always so exciting to read to kids and talk to them about books and what it takes to create them. What a wonderful school and staff to bring such a great event to the students each year! I especially would like to thank first grade teacher, Rachel DeHaan, for organizing and inviting me to the event.

The highlight of the day for me, other than sharing with the kids, must have been Baby the llama. What a little sweetie. I fell in love with her and am now convinced that what our 3/4 acres is missing, is a llama. Oh, that's right, Sheriff Joe Arpaio was also there as a celebrity reader. I didn't get the chance to say hi to him but it was nice to see him being there for the kids. 

Happy creating to you all,

T. 

Every child in America should have access to an effective school library program

I received the following from my ARA Advocacy Chairperson, Michelle Parker-Rock. If you are so inclined to advocate for school libraries the following information may be of interest to you. I encourage you to sign the petition and forward the information on so that the needed number of signatures can be reached.

Thank you.
__________________________________________
Dear Colleagues,

Carl Harvey, 2011-2012 AASL president, has initiated a White House petition on school libraries, which specifically petitions the Obama administration to "ensure that every child in America has access to an effective school library program." 25,000 signatures are required in order for this petition to be viewed by White House staff, no later than February 4, 2012.

Please take a few seconds to sign this petition, spread the word to your member groups, ask your colleagues and library supporters in your circles to sign on, and spread the word via Facebook, Twitter and other channels!

The url is: http://wh.gov/Wgd .
A few things of note:

* We've heard that the petition software is temperamental. If you cannot sign in on your first attempt, please log out and log back in. Or, try a different web browser, or as a last resort, try a different computer.

* This petition should not be confused with a petition begun in 2011.

* White House petitions must be authored by individuals, not any association. Therefore, Carl has introduced this petition as an individual, not as a representative of AASL or ALA.

Thank you,

Marci Merola
Marci Merola, Director
Office for Library Advocacy
American Library Association
50 E. Huron Street, Chicago, IL, 60611

Finally back to painting...

It is so exciting to finally have a functioning studio again. We've been moving so I have spent months dealing with supplies being at two separate houses, an unorganized studio space filled with boxes and design deadlines that I was able to fulfill simply because I had just enough space to sit at my computer. Finally, my new studio is all set-up with much more space and better organization than the one at the other house.

I am so excited to be painting again. It's amazing how getting back into a routine can make you so much more productive.

Happy creating to you all,
T.

The intention of the artist

Do you ever wonder, what an artist intended when creating a piece of artwork? Art Appreciation teaches us to analyze the deeper meaning of an image, to try and find a connection with the creator of a piece and truly understand her thought process. So I really was stumped when I looked at one of the drawings that my four year old brought home from preschool.

Yes, it really is supposed to be "a rotten chicken with no legs." I don't think that any amount of analysis could have revealed that one.

Have a splendid day.

T

"The Park Our Town Built" is available on the NOOK Devices and Apps

The Publisher of my last picture book, Raven Tree Press, just announced that a selection of their titles are now available on NOOK devices and apps via NOOK Kids™. My book "The Park Our Town Built" is one of these and is available for NOOK Color, NOOK Tablet, and NOOK Kids™ for iPad.

Here is a link to the NOOK version of my book:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/park-our-town-built-diane-gonzalez-bertrand/1100478328?ean=9781936299959&itm=5&usri=%22raven+tree+press%22

On the Short List for the 2012 Green Earth Book Award

2012 Green Earth Book Award SHORT LIST

I am so excited to announce that my picture book "The Park Our Town Built," published by Raven Tree Press, is on the “short list” for the 2012 Green Earth Book Award. Books are still under review, and winners will be announced in late January 2012.

The Green Earth Book Award was created to promote books that inspire children to grow a deeper appreciation, respect, and responsibility for their natural environment. This is an annual award for books that best raise awareness of the beauty of our natural world and the responsibility that we have to protect it.

I will post more info about this as it becomes available.

Happy Drawing
T.