I am now in possession of an actual hard-bound copy of my book.
It arrived wrapped in pink ribbon and silver tinsel because my editor does stuff like that.
I love it.
I even love the endpapers.
If it weren’t so square and bulky, I’d sleep with it under my pillow.
One of the most incredible gifts of being a picture book author is sending in something that is purely text-ual and having something so visual come back. In this case, so incredibly richly and vibrantly visual. Marla’s art makes me weak in the knees.
So, now that I truly believe this book is for REAL, I thought I’d share a few very kind reviews with you.
By people who also apparently believe it’s for real…
Click here to see what the exceedingly generous Cheryl Tasses at Reading Rumpus had to say about it.
And then here is a little bit of the review in Booklist:
Scanlon uses a pleasing rhythm to move from normal-life specifics all the way to more existential concepts. Small illustrations of a family entering a restaurant are paired with everyday notions (“Table, bowl, cup spoon / Hungry tummy, supper’s soon / Butter, flour, big black pot”) before a page turn offers a panoramic spread of the restaurant and the woods surrounding it: “All the world is cold and hot.” It’s a catchy pattern perfect for reading aloud while pointing out the children hiding within the illustrations. – Daniel Kraus, Booklist
And then here’s what my daughters have to say:
"You’re one of my favorite authors, Mama."
"Mm-hmm. Mine, too. I mean, for one thing, Roald Dahl is dead."
Okay, then…
Oh my gosh, Liz!!! It looks so beautiful – I want to read it!
A huge, HUGE congratulations. You should be very, VERY proud!!!
Thank you, although I have to say that I feel more lucky than proud!!!
Oh it is a REAL book now! A beautiful beautiful book!
congratulations!
Thank you, Susan!
Ooh. Just that little quote from Booklist made me sigh. Cannot wait to read ALL of it.
Dahl can go eat peaches. 🙂
Dahl who??
Ha.
What an amazing thing it must be to see your very own words in print with pictures. I can’t wait to read your book.
Congratulations!
hokgardner
I’ll bring it to S.Padre for a little storytime!
Not generous
I only say what I feel when I read the books 😉 Yours made me feel wonderful. Continued success and thanks for the link 🙂
Re: Not generous
Oh, thank you thank you. I’m so glad it made you feel wonderful. That is most definately The Point!
Tanita Says 🙂
Bwa-hahahah!
Roald Dahl. *snort*
Wake up Caldecott committee! All the World needs to be on your short list.
Shriiiiiiiiek!
Oh, Liz! How very marvelous. I cannot WAIT to read this.
Re: Tanita Says 🙂
I know.
That quote kinda rocks, doesn’t it?
Actually that whole gushing review just sends me to my knees…
What your girls said is the best. ‘Cause I don’t think they’re old enough to lie for your benefit… Now, when exactly are these available to the general public?
deb
They are pretty swell little fans, though if Roald Dahl were alive I’d obviously have to watch my back.
September 8 is the release date though maybe there will be books floating around before then???
Have pre-ordered a bazillion from Amazon. Can’t wait to get my hands on the real thing!!! Jen
Bazillion????
You know a lot of folks having babies????
all the best. for real.
wonderful, liz. congrats!
-annette