James Patterson's 2 Newest Treasures

Released 9-16-13
Treasure Hunters,
by James Patterson,
 Chris Grabenstein,
and Juliana Neufeld

The Guardian reports that author James Patterson is set to donate $1 million Indie bookstores in the next year. I don't know if that will spur the public to support local independents, but I applaud this literary superstar for trying.

Libraries are the lifeblood of a thinking people, but publishers cannot live on library sales alone. Bookstores are an indispensable part of our communities. I'll get off my soapbox now if you'll go out and buy a book.

Happy reading!

Fascination with Technology

"...in all our fascination with technology we've forgotten that a simple book can make a difference.” 
-Roxanne J. Coady

Books That Influence

"I suggest that the only books that influence us are those for which we are ready, and which have gone a little farther down our particular path than we have yet got ourselves." 
-E. M. Forster

Available on Etsy,
FromTheLibraryOf

My Greatest Fear

"My greatest fear is being somewhere without a book.”
-Patricia MacLachlan

Art by Jon Bean Hastings

August Bookdare Challenge

The criteria for the August Bookdare are posted.

This month's themes range from dogs to princes to aliens. Bonus #2 is my favorite: a random book from your "to read" pile.

1. Stop by Adam's blog to check out the details.
2. Stop by your local library to check out the books.
3. Stop by a comfy spot near you for some quality reading time. You can always use the excuse you are doing research!

Warning: Do Not Open This Book!,
by Adam Lehrhaupt and Matthew Forsythe

Don't forget to tweet your completed books to #bookdare to enter this month's giveaway, and look for Adam's book, Warning: Do Not Open This Book! (There are Monkeys in it), set for release August 27, 2013.

The Story of Fish and Snail,
by Deborah Freedman

Where's your perfect summer reading hideaway?

On Revision

"Books aren't written--they're rewritten."
-Michael Crichton

Courtesy Pratt Institute Libraries

Illustrator, Jane Heinrichs

Oops! This didn't post Saturday. Please forgive my lateness, we were recharging on a camping vacation. NO INTERNET!!!!! It was so refreshing. So without further ado . . .

Courtesy Jane Heinrichs

International illustrator Jane Heinrichs makes her home on three continents. Her work has been published by numerous educational publishers. Her picture book, Magic at the Museum was short-listed for the Manitoba Book Awards "Best Illustrated Book of 2008."

Courtesy Jane Heinrichs

You can buy Jane's prints on Etsy, or follow her blog as she travels the globe.
She uses traditional materials, pen and ink with watercolor, often featuring characters in  historic costume.

Lovely and luminescent, Jane Heinrichs's illustrations glow with color. Her characters charm. Her whimsy makes me smile. She employs pattern like another color on the wheel.

Like many of us, Jane struggled with the validity of her ambition to illustrate. Fortunately for the publishing world, she was in the right place at the right time during the London Book Fair last April. Find out her good news here.

Courtesy Jane Heinrichs