Picture Story eBook | Monthly Archives: November 2013

The Adventures of Zeppi #8 Castle Mountains Part 1- Trip to the Castle by C.K Omillin

Posted on 29 November, 2013 by elsa Posted in Great e-books by self-published Children's book authors .

The Adventures of Zeppi #8 Castle Mountains Part 1- Trip to the Castle by C.K Omillin

I read The Adventures of Zeppi #8 Castle Mountains Part 1- Trip to the Castle by C.K Omillin

C.K Omillin is an author/illustrator of a series of Zeppi Adventure books, Zeppi is a penguin. I read number 8 in the series, and now wish I would have started at number one.

The book has beautiful water color and pencil illustrations, but the word choice and narrative descriptions are so vivid that this book would be equally as captivating without them. I have never been to a castle before, but if I ever did, I would open every door and peek in, I felt like I did just that after having finished the book. Zeppi the penguin and his friend squirrel who he sneaks into the train in a suitcase, go on their first castle vacation. The two little creatures, get into a bit of mischief on the train ride, they behave like two curious young children, but have the advantage of being animals and therefore are given a lot of leeway in the human world. Being that they are little creatures they are also closer to nature in ways that had the author chosen to make Zeppi a child would not have been possible. Zeppi the penguin uses expressions like “greenie” meaning to “care about ecology,” so yes this book has both brains and beauty.

Now as far as passing the wholesome test… it did have a mention of a ghost which I do not read to my kids about, but I have yet to see if this is just a playful “Zeppi thought it was a ghost BUT…” for that I will read part #9 and let you know!

Tips on Writing for kids by Rosalie Alcala editor of Goo and Spot in The Do Not Wiggle Riddle

Posted on 24 November, 2013 by elsa Posted in Writing and Self-Publishing Children's Books .

Artwork by iCenizal icenizal
Rosalie Alcala is a ghost writer. She sits in her creaking orange chair and does what she knows best, write. Rosalie, has written hundreds of stories for children, you may all ready have read Rosalie’s wonderful work, without even knowing it! This young women, with a creative mind and witty sense of humor is gifted, passionate and brilliant. Meet Rosalie Alcala, and allow her to share her tips on writing for children…

Tips on Writing for Kids by Rosalie Alcala

There are many books out there, whether in print or on e-book format, written specifically for children. There are thousands, maybe hundreds of thousands, of aspiring writers hoping to get into publication. Apart from the usual requirements – original work, typo-free, correct grammar, form, rhythm, etc. – Here are some helpful tips for those planning to write stories for kids.

Think like one.

Some of the best children’s stories are about outrageous things. Talking bears, flying monkeys, wizards, friendly giants and eccentric people are some of the best themes and characters out there. Mainly, this is because of the level of imagination that kids possess. Children are attracted to color, action, zings and pops, and less on internal struggles of the characters. If you want to write a book that a child will love, forget all your preconceived notions of how the world actually works and let you imagination do the talking (or writing).

Forget your worries about bills and the weekly meal schedule. Being a grown-up means that there are a lot of responsibilities, but to write for children, let fantasy take its course. Children are curious (sometimes too curious) and they love hearing things that are out of this world. Think of your children’s book as sci-fi work, with marshmallows, clouds and lollipops. Create an exciting story that will grab their imagination from the get-go. Remember, children are easily bored too, so your subject matter should hold their attention. You don’t even have to have kids of your own to think like one. You were a kid once yourself!

Don’t sound like an authority figure.

This tip is actually one of the most important ones on this list. In relation to thinking the way a child thinks, talking down to them is not really a very good approach. They get enough of that from their teachers, sometimes their parents and other grown-ups. If you want your story to have a moral lesson, wrap it in sparkly colored paper with a lot of shinny ribbons. Let them understand the moral of the story in their own terms, and try not to spell it out for them in every possible paragraph. For instance, instead of a story telling children that they should brush their teeth every day, come up with a fun quip about a green three-eyed blob of plaque that attacks their teeth at night. The moral of the story is there, hidden between the lines. The lesson of the story will sink in, sooner than you think.

Use simple words, or make up some new ones.

You don’t have to impress your readers with your wide and extensive vocabulary. Sure, it might sound smart to grown-ups, but they are not your market. Keep the words simple and direct. Add fun adjectives to make it more exciting.

If your words are not enough, make up new ones! A child will understand that a dollop of mud on the floor looks like a yucki-dory-gloppity-goo! Kids can understand simple context too! Besides, making up new words are the best things that can happen to a writer. Sometimes, there are no words to express your thought, so making up a new one is just perfect!

But don’t be afraid to use big words once in a while.

This particular tip is rather challenging. It has to be done in a very subtle way. Even without that particular hard word, the kids should be able to understand what you are saying. But I added this tip to give a sly lesson (apart from the usual moral one) to the readers of your book. Give the kids something to do after, or while reading the story. Let them look it up! The words in a children’s story are fun, yes, but a little tidbit of homework can’t hurt anyone.

For instance, you can have a line that goes,

“Gloria looked up haughtily and asked them why they were playing with her toys.”

It would be easier to understand the word “proudly” or “importantly” rather than “haughtily”. It would even be easier to just say,

“Gloria was feeling snooty so she asked them why they were playing with her toys.”

“Snooty” sounds like a funny word, after all. But give the kids a little challenge. Add in a hard word every now and then. Let them learn something new that they can add to their own vocabulary.

And here is an extra tip that every writer needs, whether you are writing for children or for adults. Write every day, even if it is only one line. In my opinion, the hardest thing that a writer needs to develop is discipline. Writing is such a personal action that sometimes it may seem selfish or unimportant to do something other than chores or building a career. But, write. Jot down your ideas, even if it’s on an old grocery receipt. Ideas come unexpectedly so write it down before you forget. Find the time. Stop playing another game of Candy Crush and open a blank document on your computer. You’ll be surprised to find that after scribbling or typing a few words, a fantastic, glittery and mistilicious-whimsfying-wowzamazing world is forming right in front of you.

***

Rosalie Alcala – Creative Writer / Storyteller for Children – Freelancer, Philippines – oDesk

Ten blogs and websites that review Indie children and/or YA books Part-2

Posted on 15 November, 2013 by elsa Posted in Writing and Self-Publishing Children's Books .

Steph’s Free Book Reviews

http://stephsbookreview.blogspot.jp/p/submit-your-book.html

I like all books, but I prefer children’s books, picture books, chapter books. No adult books.

Nik’s Picks

http://nikki-bennett.com/blog1/submissions/

First of all, I want to review indie authors. You can have your book published by local presses or self-published, as long as it’s indie!

I am tightening what I will accept and what I won’t. I want to focus on middle grade/YA. I’m not the right person to review picture books, although occasionally, if I see a fantastic one, I’ll post a review. I am not currently interested in nonfiction, and if you’ve written a book on quotes, poems, etc., I’m not the person for you, trust me. I’m great at reviewing stories. Not so great at poetry or quotes.

Crystal Crichlow

http://crystalcrichlow.weebly.com/my-reviews.html

I know how important reviews and ratings are for any writer, especially self published ones. I DO NOT write negative reviews. My motto is “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” That being said, if I did not enjoy your book, I will not review it.

WHAT I READ

Fiction in the following categories – YA/Teen, SciFi, Fantasy, Children’s books, Action/Adventure, Apocalyptic, Time-Travel and some horror. I’m a sucker for zombie novels or short stories.

Children’s Illustrated Picture e-book Reviews

http://valerierichardsonharmon.blogspot.jp/p/get-reviewed-by-valerie.html

Valerie will ONLY review fully-illustrated children’s picture e-books. PLEASE do not ask her to review books from any other genre. If you are looking for reviews in a different genre, check out The Kindle Book Review or The Indie View.

5 Stars – The best book she’s read in a long time.

4 Stars – A great read, but not the best she’s read in a long time.

3 Stars – A decent book. She’d recommend it but there were a few flaws

(storyline issues, distracting typos, average illustrations).

2 stars and under – SHE DOES NOT WRITE REVIEWS UNDER 3 STARS

Ariesgrl Book Reviews

http://ariesgrlreview.com/category/childrens-books/

Picture Books (fiction and non fiction) suitable predominantly for age ranges 4-10 yrs are our mainstay. We have difficulty coping with a huge number of chapter books or early readers so these will inevitably be given low priority – if we cover them at all – as they take a long time to work through. We may offer coverage in the form of a news item for these books, but may not review them fully (in the manner that we review picture books). Basically if it’s not age appropriate for a 5-7 year old, it won’t get covered at all unless there are exceptional circumstances.

Read it Daddy

http://readitdaddy.blogspot.co.uk/p/readitdaddy-book-app-and-review-item.html

Apps and E-Books are lovely, no really they are, but please don’t send unsolicited submissions because apps and e-books are definitely not our priority. Drop us an email first and we’ll let you know if we like the look of your app or e-book and wish to cover it.

We love indies and self-published books and fully support them as part of our semi-regular “Indie Pen-Dance Wednesday” slot. Due to our increased workload, and the fact that we do this in our spare time for free, we will only feature content we choose or source ourselves. By all means please let us know about your book or app, but we will not automatically feature them and if we don’t reply, please do not be offended as we cannot possibly review all self published titles or content we’re sent / made aware of. Overall, politeness and non-pushiness win the day.

The Indie Children’s Authors Connection

http://crystalkeeper.wordpress.com/submissions/

Book Review Submissions
To submit a book for review:
1) Must be a children’s independently published book. This includes small press and indie presses such as Createspace or Author Solutions, Inc.
2) I review picture books, middle reader books and YA.
3) Review format can be ebook edition with Kindle or Smashwords. I have received PDF files and gift copies for review. If you need to send me a hard copy(paperback or hardcover) to review, email me and I’ll send a mailing address.

Ohana Day Academy

http://ohana-school.blogspot.com.au/p/book-reviews.html

Book Review & Rating Policy

I have very eclectic tastes in books. However for this Blog I am STRICTLY reviewing Children’s and YA books. Anything over a PG-13 rating offered to me will be reviewed (if accepted) on a different blog.

I am open to every genre just contact me. Sci-fi, Paranormal, Historical, Comedy, Horror, Steampunk, basically any genre at all in the YA and Children’s spectrum can be reviewed here.

I cross post on Goodreads, Amazon, and Facebook among other sites.

Story Time Books

http://storytimebooks.wordpress.com/contact-me/

If you are a publisher, publicist, author, or just a children’s book fan that would like me to review a certain book on my blog, please email me at: At this time I am only reviewing children’s picture books, or early reader chapter books.

Fantasy book critic

http://fantasybookcritic.blogspot.jp/p/contact-us.html

Fantasy Book Critic is a group of individuals devoted to covering Fantasy, Science Fiction, Horror, YA/Children’s Books and other Speculative Fiction. We gladly accept review queries from publishers large, small and independent as well as self-published authors. Both print and electronic formats are accepted.

Indie Children’s Author of the Week Shimrit Nothman

Posted on 14 November, 2013 by elsa Posted in Great e-books by self-published Children's book authors, Interviews .

If you have ever read articles on “how to write for children”, many will tell you to steer away from writing obvious lessons. The advice has merit and is true for most of us… but what do you do if you have a completely different perspective and approach of the “how” to of dealing with common behavior issues in children? What do you do if you have a background in Psychology, a know-how in conflict resolution and an interest in helping children? You take on a direct approach.

This is true of this week’s featured Indie Author, Shimrit Nothman, who has taken a straighforward approach with her children’s books: Give it Back! , No it’s Mine!, and Justine, We’re Late!

The books aimed at children age 3-8, follow Justine and her brother Benjy, as they learn to deal with common childhood troubles. Problems such as: sharing, taking without asking, sibling rivalry and common arguments. The children’s toys will offer different approaches to dealing with a conflict, and the children are left to decide what advice to follow. The books have a clever twist, Give it Back! is written from Justine’s perspective, while No It’s Mine! from brother Benjy’s.

I can imagine the nitpicking that would be done to this book by traditional publishers, but the reality is, as parents we appreciate a little help. At the end of each book is a “Parents Guide”, and “Tips for Resolving Problems with the Little Ones.” You get two books in one, and it might just be one of the best well-spent .99cents.

We sat Author Shimrit Notham to answer a few questions as well as give us a little advice…

Tell us a bit about your academic background?

I received my BA in Psychology and Communication at Haifa University, where I was also elected as the president of my university’s Debating club.

After working for a few years in the ‘Debate Ltd’ company, I attended Tel Aviv University, where I received my Masters in Conflict Resolution.

What/who inspires you to write for children?

One of my most cherished childhood memories is my mother telling us bedtime stories. Some were stories read from a children’s book and some were stories she made up on the spot. My love for stories never ceased, and when I found myself at the age of 30 writing children stories of my own, it felt just right.

Why write books that aim at teaching children conflict resolution?

‘Conflict Resolution’ may seem like a very heavy concept that only applies to grown-ups, but really it is a general name to any fight, argument or disagreement that we experience in our life. Children are no different to adults in that regard. They deal with several different conflicts at school or kindergarten, and at home everyday.
On top of that, studies found that adults tend to carry on using the same conflict resolution skills they’ve developed at childhood.

For both these reasons, I’ve written children’s books, on the basis that the effective conflict resolution skills they learn today will help them tomorrow and for many years to come.

What have been your biggest challenges in self-publishing?

The first big challenge that I had was figuring out the basics: Where do I find a good illustrator? How do I upload my book on Amazon? and How do I use the KDP free promotion days effectively?
The second biggest challenge that I’m facing is motivating myself. When it’s only you behind the wheel, you must wear many hats: you’re the writer, you’re the publisher, you’re the strategist and the promoter. You need to decide what portion of your time goes to what task, and there is no one pushing you forward and encouraging you to ‘keep up the good work’.

This is the reason why I’ve joined a few different support groups for authors, aimed at helping self-published authors tackle some basic self-publishing issues, and also offering mutual emotional support to all the group members.

What advice would you give someone looking into self-publishing a children’s book?

Find a good illustrator! I guess it goes without saying that nicely illustrated books sell better than poorly illustrated ones. The problem is that generally good illustrators charge more for their work. Self-publishing authors have less funds available than big publishing companies, and so new authors normally look for every option to cut costs, illustrations included. However good your book is, the book’s cover is the first thing that catches the eye of your potential readers. Many times it’s the deciding factor for them whether to purchase your book and read it or look for something else.

Therefore, my advice is- find a good illustrator! It will pay itself back in due time.

where can we find your book?

You can find my books on Amazon

http://www.amazon.com/Shimrit-Nothman/e/B00CESJVD8/

Are there plans for a new book?

I’m currently in the midst of writing a conflict-resolution themed book aimed at adults. I’m also considering adding another book to my children’s book series about little Justine who faces conflicts wherever she goes.

What is your advice for parents who deal with young children and sibling rivalry?

The short answer is – try keeping out of it! It may be the hardest thing for a parent to do, but has potential to yield the best results in the long run.

Here is an article I wrote for The Jerusalem Post about this exact problem just a few weeks ago:

http://www.jpost.com/LifeStyle/Sibling-rivalries-Interfere-or-not-interfere-328375

Also, each of my books available on Amazon contains a Parents’ Guide, with suggested methods of helping their children learn to deal with conflicts, through use of the books and in daily life.

Thank you Shimrit, Indie Author of the week for her theme choice, direct approach and great book reviews.

Ten Blogs and Websites that review Self-Published children’s and YA books- Part 1

Posted on 12 November, 2013 by elsa Posted in Writing and Self-Publishing Children's Books .

While preparing for the release and publicity of Goo and Spot Book 1- I realized there are very few reviewers willing to take on self-published children and YA books.

I have put together a list of ten reviewers currently accepting Indie authors of children and YA books. I hope this is of some help.

I believe an author develops a personal attachment to his own work, and that passion drives us to want to see such book a success, do not give up after your book has been published, continue putting your book in the spotlight.

Book Lovers Paradise
http://www.bookloversparadise.blogspot.jp/p/policy.html

accepts/prefers ebooks or PDF’s, uses a Kindle or Ipad to read books.
YA, Paranormal, Historical fiction or Childrens’ books

Mr. Tierneyslibrary.com

www.mrtierneyslibrary.com/p/the-review-policy.html

The Review Policy-Note from Reviewer

I am open to receiving Advance Reading Copies and Review Copies of books from both authors and publishers. If you would like to request a review from me, please email me. I am now able to accept Kindle-compatible ebooks, as well as print versions.

I am Reader
www.iamareader.com/policies/self-published-author-policy

Self Published Books will be considered if they meet the following guidelines:
Books must be “family friendly” meaning free from strong language, gratuitous violence and sex scenes.
Books must have been reviewed, critiqued, revised and properly edited by someone other than yourself, your family and your friends.
Books must have a professional looking cover.
Books must already have reviews on Amazon or Goodreads.

My Book Addiction

www.mybookaddictionandmore.com/need-a-review/

Reviews will be posted to Amazon, BN, Goodreads,LibraryThing, and any other sites we currently have availability to post to or can find the book. However, please be aware that posting to these sites may take a bit of time so please be patient with us.

Please send an email to AprilR at tarenn98@yahoo.com with “Review Request” in the subject line. (remove the space)

Sher A. Hart
(Author promotion for a fee, free reviews).

sherahart.blogspot.jp/p/author-hosting.htmlI do book reviews, but the wait is longer. I read about two books per month because I split my reading and writing time.

The Flashlight Reader
www.theflashlightreader.com/p/review-policy.html

Note from the Reviewer-
While I share my thoughts and feelings about the books I read, I try to limit any unsupported opinions that I may have. Some books, however, seem to require open honesty and opinion sharing. It is not my intent to negate anyone’s writing efforts, but my opinions of a book may not always be considered positive. I do, however, strive to focus on the positives in any book I read.

Momma Frugal Book Reviews

mommafrugalbookreviews.blogspot.jp/

Note from the Reviewer-
I am accepting books for review from authors, publishers, publicists. I do accept self-published books as long as they have been professional edited. If a book contains a lot of typos or grammatical errors, I will mention this fact in the review or I may choose to not review the book at all.
I only accept physical copies.

Unorthodox Mama

unorthodoxmama.com/reviews/

Note from Reviewer
I accept ARC copies and non advance review copies.
I accept indie authors, self published authors, big publishing house names, small press and the in between.

Kids Book Review

www.kids-bookreview.com/p/policy.html

Note from Reviewer-
Review requests are accepted during the months of February, June and November only, to Susan Whelan at susanATkidsbookreviewDOTcom.

Crystal Keeper- The Indie Children’s Author Connection

crystalkeeper.wordpress.com/submissions/

To submit a book for review:
1) Must be a children’s independently published book. This includes small press and indie presses such as Createspace or Author Solutions, Inc.
2) I review picture books, middle reader books and YA.
3) Review format can be ebook edition with Kindle or Smashwords. I have received PDF files and gift copies for review. If you need to send me a hard copy(paperback or hardcover) to review, email me and I’ll send a mailing address.
4) Contact email: tiff(at)tiffmeister.net with any questions.

Teddy O’ Malley- Recommended self-published children’s book author of the week

Posted on 8 November, 2013 by elsa Posted in Great e-books by self-published Children's book authors .

You know the expression “Do not judge a book by it’s cover?”

Up until recently I was a firm believer that this expression applied to everything and anything BUT books.

Readers, absolutely judge a book by the quality of it’s cover, it’s layout, and illustrations. This is especially true of children’s literature. There is a certain stigma with self-published children’s books- the belief that these books are often amateurish in both illustrations and writing. One look at the FREE and 0.99 sections of most ebook publishers, and this opinion is difficult to dispute.

The misconception that children’s books are easy to write and easy to sell, may be behind the trend of poorly illustrated, poorly edited children’s ebooks.

These writers often fall into two categories:

Those who believe they can make a quick buck.
Those who have all of the right intentions, but simply make common writing mistakes.

The expression “do not judge a book by it’s cover.” can go one of two ways in children’s literature, you can be pleasantly surprised by a book that is amateurish in appearance but has a great story, or be put-off by a book with great illustrations that do not make a poorly written story any better.

What has made me reconsider my tendency to judge ebooks, by their appearance?

This book

Destiny and Faith’s Summer Adventures by Teddy O’Malley

At first glance, it is difficult to see how this book can be fit for “tween” readers, and the illustrations drawn out by Teddy O’Malley, are a bit on the amateur-side . What Teddy O’Malley, may lack in illustration abilities she makes up for in her writing.

Teddy O’Malley is talented in a way most writers wish we were. Her writing is unpretentious, and takes on the voice and mentality of a child in a way few authors can. Her book is well written, fun and has embedded messages of acceptance, without ever breaking the laugh out loud moments of her adventurous characters.

Teddy O’Malley is going places, all this author needs is a chance, so if you come across her books remember “not to judge a book by it’s cover.”

Destiny And Faith’s Summer Adventures (Volume 2): Teddy O’Malley, Angie Dickens: 9781490986319: Amazon.com: Books

Encourage Early Literacy with Picture search books by Vincent Noot

Posted on 6 November, 2013 by elsa Posted in Great books for children, Interviews .

Like her momma, Yumi, my fiver year old is a chatty little lady. After reading every page in a new book, she will point to the illustration and ask me to make-up dialogue for each character, together we create giggle-some stories within the story.

So, when I came across the illustrations of Vincent Noot, and his crew of Cutes, I knew, Yumi and I HAD TO HAVE THIS BOOK.

The illustrations are meant to be part of a search book aimed at elementary school aged-children, similar to the “Where is Waldo?” books of my time. What impressed me about the illustrations was the spacing between characters. I had tried other “I spy” and “picture search books” for Yumi, but she found them overwhelming. The Cutes, have just the correct amount of spacing between characters and objects to make it a picture search book that allows for interactive searching as well as imaginative “story-telling.”

The detail of the illustrations is engaging, the facial expressions and body language of the characters make it easy to “make-up dialogue”, and thus encourage early literacy. I can see this book working in the classroom as well, as it is adaptable.

The benefits of wordless and mostly wordless picture books are many. Although Vincent Noot’s Cutes books are search books, each page carries a theme and stories within characters, that allow for creative story-telling.

Wordless and nearly wordless pictures books help children:

understand elements of story structure
develop visual literacy
think and write creatively
develop book handling behavior

You can see why I quickly became a fan of The Cutes, I see a lot of uses and potential in it, both for entertaining and educating.

Unfortunately the book is not out yet, and so I did what any ~~normal person~~ blogger would do, I hunted Mr. Vincent Noot, down, and he kindly agreed to an interview!

What inspired you to illustrate a picture search book?
I have been drawing since I was 4 years old. During my teenage years I drew a lot of comics. Recently a child day care center in the Netherlands started ordering a lot of cartoon drawings in the same style: board games, illustrations, posters, etc. I began to focus more on children’s material. “Where is Waldo” was one of the first search books. I liked them as a kid, but when I did some research, I found out there was hardly anything like it out there, and that there was a lot lacking in their concept. I felt that with my art style, our focus on kids as characters, and targeting children specifically could be successful.

Who are the Cutes?
It’s a family. With my fiancee (now wife), I made up a family whose last name is “Cute”. All the character names start with a “C”: Carissa, Chaz, Cade, Cammy, and Cindy.

How long does it take you to complete one illustration, from rough sketch to finished product?
Usually around 100 hours. Each page has 300-400 individuals in it.

When you are sketching out your illustrations, do you make-up dialogue for each character, what they could be thinking about or saying?
Before each page, I brainstorm about as many creative, funny things that could happen. For example, I divided the Birthday Party page into section of balloons, ball pit, presents, etc. Children can be very silly. So I think of what they’d do with a balloon, like rubbing it over their hair, letting it go into the air, binding it to their ears, popping it, etc. Sometimes I don’t have a lot of ideas beforehand and make it up during the process of drawing.

Are any of the characters sketches in your book based on real people in your life?
My wife (a brunette) and I (a blond) thought it would be funny to give the father blond and the mother brown hair. We don’t know how many children we will have someday though. Sometimes something funny that happened in our lives, comes back in the drawings. For instance, when I was dating my wife, we both took a bite of the same huge hotdog at the same time. So in the Swimming Pool page, I drew a boy and a girl eating a hotdog at the same time.

Who do you think would enjoy your book?
Children ages 3 and up. Adults could enjoy it too. With 12 pages of things to search for, kids could be entertained for hours. Not only are we gonna make a book, but we are planning on making it a tablet game for the ipad, kindle, and other devices. I guess we will see whether the book or the game will sell better.

Is there a place we can follow your progress?
We have a website, Find The Cutes | En nog een WordPress site we will build an ordering system into it, when it’s finished. We are also on Facebook and Pinterest. I post little images almost daily. These are the links:
Find the Cutes | Facebook Find the Cutes children’s activity book (www.findthecutes.com)

When can we expect your book?

Initially, the goal was to have it finished by the end of the year. But it will probably be a couple of months later. When it’s finished, we will start a campaign on www.kickstarter.com. Anyone will be able to back our project and receive rewards in return.

What is your goal as and author/illustrator?
If we could spread this book throughout the USA and the world, that would be my dream job. I noticed that in the 80′s, “Where is Waldo” sold several millions of copies. I am not saying we will have that much success, but it can become really big. I believe in that. We already planned a sequel, and have other ideas for the Cute family. Just a heads up: the next book will be about holidays.

What advice would you give those looking to self-publish a children’s book?
Make a great product (good storyline, beautiful illustrations, and/or fun activities, and then comes the hardest part: getting your name out there and getting sales. Social media can help, as well as word-to-mouth, and the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. I also found this article with some ideas, which we will definitely try: http://www.30daybooks.com/six-powerful-ways-to-market-childrens-books/.

Thank you Vincent Noot, Yumi and I look forward to meeting The Cutes.