School Library Journal Review

1 Zany Zoo was reviewed in the July edition of the School Library Journal.  I'm pretty happy with it - here's an excerpt:


" . . . Degman's giggle-inducing rhymes move this read-aloud story along: "2 sporty zebras in goggle and flippers / were snipping the walrus's whiskers with clippers. / One did the combing, the other the trimming, / They swept up the clippings, then all four went swimming."  Kids will enjoy hearing the catchy rhymes read multiple times.  Digital cartoon images, made to appear like hand-drawn ink sketches, capture the swift movement and playful mood.  Overall, this is a fun romp through the zoo."

1 Zany Zoo Launch Party on July 24 - HELP!!

My launch party is going to be at Barnes & Noble at Hawthorn Mall in Vernon Hills, on July 24th from 2:00 - 3:00, and I need help!


I'm trying to think of a fun craft to do with Cheerios. Does anyone have any brilliant ideas?


Also, I'm having book signing anxiety! It doesn't help that my handwriting is worse than a third grader's (new game show?). Because the zookeeper's key plays an key role (can't help myself) in the story, I want to write something like "Reading unlocks doors to your future" or "unlock your imagination - read". What do you think?


If you're in the area on July 24th - I'd love to have you stop by for a bit :-)

Hilarious British Sketch!

This is a hilarious sketch of an author getting advice from his editor.  Too funny!!

Blog Contest at Ink Spells

Fellow writer, Susan Kaye Quinn, is hosting a contest on her blog to celebrate the release of her first novel,

LIFE, LIBERTY & PURSUIT,        


"a teen love story about a college bound girl who falls in a pool, the navy recruit that saves her, and their struggle to choose between following their dreams and daring to love."


Check it out on her blog  Ink Spells  I'm going there right now!

Thirty Day Countdown to 1 ZANY ZOO

I can't believe there are just 30 days until the release of 1 Zany Zoo and 34 days until my launch party!!  I remember a year and a half ago - it felt like July 20, 2010 would never come!


I would love to tell you to run to your local Barnes & Noble or Borders to buy one, or just look at it on the shelf (that's what I want to do), but I've been informed neither store is going to carry the book.  However, they will be available on both sites as well as amazon.com.  I'm not sure which independent stores, if any, will be carrying it but I'll post them when I find out.


Though they're not selling the book in their stores, the managers at my local Barnes & Noble have been nice enough to arrange a launch party!  It's going to be on July 24, 2:00 - 3:00.  If you're local, I'd love to see you there!

Simon & Schuster Sweepstakes

Simon & Schuster is having a sweepstakes and the prize
is . . . wait for it . . . wait for it . . . 1 ZANY ZOO!  What - no money, no cars, no trips?  Sorry, but it is a $15.99 value :-)

If you want to enter - and why wouldn't you - here's the link: 1 ZANY ZOO Sweepstakes  But don't wait because the deadline is June 30th!

2010 Printers Row Lit Fest

Next Saturday, June 12th, I will be participating in a panel discussion with fellow children's book authors: Kat Falls, Meggan Hill, Barb Rosenstock & Kristen Walker :


SHOW, DON’T TELL: Up Front and Personal with Five (!) First-Time Chicago Children’s Book Authors Moderated by Esther Hershenhorn.  Five first-time children’s book authors share their Tales from the Front – the thrills, the surprises, the rewards, the Reality  A portion of the time will be given to Q & A.


You can find us at the Hotel Blake, 500 S. Dearborn, Second floor, Chicago at 1:00 pm.  I'm really looking forward to this - it'll be my first (maybe only) time on a panel.  Hope to see you there!