Sequel in progress!

Fans of Purple Elephant, I am working hard on the sequel!  I just got my manuscript back from my editor and, well, I've got a lot more work to do.  But it will be a better book because of it.  Planned release date is Summer, 2013.  Keep checking back for more updates!

The Purple Elephant second edition is now in color!

I am happy to announce the release of the second edition of The Purple Elephant in color!  Previously, the 2009 edition has been the only color edition available.  The 2012 color edition differs from the 2012 black and white version in page count because the b&w version uses a larger font size.  The color version uses 12 point font which lowers the page count and printing cost.  Same great pictures, same great story, now in color!

Duck and Friends now available!

I am excited to announce the release of my latest book: Duck and Friends: The Dinosaur Bones on Kindle and paperback.  It is an early reader geared for first and second grade readers.  The story is set on Duck's farm nearby in Pleasant Hill, Oregon.  It's fun, it's fast-paced, and it's silly enough to keep even reluctant readers interested.  Check it out!

http://www.amazon.com/Duck-Friends-Dinosaur-Bones-ebook/dp/B00ASOUUU8/ref=zg_bs_155010011_f_43

Cover Release!

Coming soon in January, 2013: Duck and Friends: The Dinosaur Bones!

Meet Duck -- a clever, resourceful farmer -- and his best friends, Hen and Cat.  When Duck reads a book about fossils, he invites his friends to come with him on a dinosaur dig.  It turns out that digging up the bones is the easy part.  Back at the farm, the other animals aren't too sure they really want a T-Rex skeleton in the barn...  (Reading level: 1st-2nd grade)

Coming soon!

Announcing the publication of a new book for younger readers!

Duck and Friends: The Dinosaur Bones is a delightfully silly adventure about a duck who owns a farm in Pleasant Hill.  This book is a 1st-2nd grade level early reader, written for ages 4-8.  It will be released in Kindle soon and in paperback in January, 2013.  The paperback version will contain wonderful black & white drawings by Kim Sponaugle, the illustrator who did The Purple Elephant.

Blogger Reviews!

I wanted to share the latest review of The Purple Elephant.  It is actually a double review as it is by both reviewer Sivje Parish and her daughter Ahnalin who is 8.  I love the comments from kids!  Here's the link: http://goosegirlsews.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-purple-elephant.html

And here is an interview that blogger Virginia Knowles wrote up after I published the first edition of the book: http://startwellhomeschool.blogspot.com/2009/11/purple-elephant-and-interview-with.html

If you would like to contribute a quote to the "What the critics are saying" page, I just might include it!  The beauty of Kindle is that I can easily submit updates and add in additional quotes without having to go through the whole publishing process.  Please email your quote to: ThePurpleElephantBook@gmail.com and include your age if you're a kid. 

What's new for The Purple Elephant...

Wow!  Where has the time gone?  My son was 11 months old when I started writing The Purple Elephant during his naptimes.  He's now seven and I'm finally coming up for air.  So here's what's in the pipeline The Purple Elephant...

I have been updating and tweaking the original book and will be publishing a 2nd edition this fall.  I'm not making many changes, just doing some touch-up.  The most noticeable change will be the tweaked pictures in the black & white edition. 

Next, I plan to publish a Kindle version of the book.  The Kindle version will be in color and available through Amazon and other retailers.

A sequel is also in progress.  They have to get home, right?  And I'm already thinking about the third book in the series.  Stay tuned for details still to come. 

Happy reading and remember, don't touch any purple elephants!

Spectacular cocoa cookies

I share several variations of the recipe for Prince Carmel's Cocoa Cookies, but the most popular is the variation in which the cookies are coated in powdered sugar. Also known as "Cocoa Crinkles," the recipe can be a bit tricky to get just right. To achieve spectacular results, try this link I just found for special instructions!

And the winner is...

Bev! Over at the Blogging Bookworm. Thanks for playing and happy reading. Remember, don't touch any purple elephants!

Just in time for Christmas (Update)

I'm offering a free giveaway of one copy of The Purple Elephant, color edition. Please leave your name in the comments below for the drawing. Check back on December 1 to find out who is the winner! (Update: Silly me! I thought Dec 1 was next week! I'll hold the drawing this Friday, Nov 20. Sorry!)

Meet the author

Come meet the author of The Purple Elephant! I will be at the authors' table at Eugene's Art & the Vineyard festival this Sunday from 11:30-3:30. If they let me bring it in, I'll even have a plate of cocoa cookies. :)

Also, coming soon is the Lane County Fair. I'll be at the authors' table on Friday night at the fair, details to follow.

Calling all readers

Hey, Purple Elephant fans! Has anyone finished reading the book, yet?

Would you like to review it on Amazon? Begin your career as a book reviewer! See your recommendation in print! Click here to be the first to review The Purple Elephant!