I can't believe I wrote all about my new editor, Marissa Moss, and my new agent, Karen Grencik, and I forgot to talk about my new book, COCK-A-DOODLE OOPS!
About two years ago, I came up with the idea for a "boy who cried wolf" story, but with a rooster instead of a boy. That story morphed into one about a rooster who goes on vacation, leaving the other farm animals to wake the farmer. The problem is . . .
Farmer McPeeper's a very deep sleeper,
Not even an earthquake could shake him.
A poke or a pinch wouldn't budge him an inch,
'Cause only his rooster could wake him!
Throughout the week, different animals try to wake the farmer, but with no success . . .
"I know that I'm quiet, but I'd like to try it -
here goes," said a shy little sheep.
Her "cock-a-doodle baaa" didn't travel too faaa
In fact, she made barely a peep.
Finally, Rooster comes back and the animals are certain he will wake the farmer at last. However . . .
Rooster coughed and sputtered; he wheezed and muttered
"There's something I think you should know.
The damp ocean breeze made me sniffle and sneeze.
My voice is so weak, I can't crow!"
Though disappointed, the animals put their heads together and devise a clever way to wake up the farmer. There's a surprise twist at the end so I'm going to leave you hanging here - sorry!
Back to my book deal . . .
COCK-A-DOODLE OOPS! will be illustrated by the amazingly talented, Ashley Wolff! It will be published by Creston Books in fall, 2014. It seems like an eternity away but I know, from my experience with 1 Zany Zoo, how quickly those two years will go!
I'll keep you posted on the book's development and will definitely let you know when it's released!!
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