Russell the Sheep

I have a new FAVORITE children's picture book, "Russel the Sheep" by Rob Scotton.  One look at the cover and I was hooked.  Russell, is a sheep who can't fall asleep.  He thinks he's too hot, then he thinks he's too cold.  He tries to curl up with a comfy "pillow",  he counts the stars.  On and on Russell goes.  I don't want to give away the ending!

Rob Scotton also illustrated this lovely book with humorous pictures.  One of my favorite illustrations is the sheep getting ready for bed.  One sheep has a teddy bear, one has a cup of warm milk (or maybe cocoa), one is brushing his teeth and the last one is asleep with his teeth in a glass.  The sheep with the teeth in the glass keeps showing up - it's quite funny.  Rob is also the writer/illustrator of the Splat the Cat series.

Time Flies

Wow, can hardly believe that May is almost over!  I have been juggling working full time, taking care of the family and squeezing in my writing.  Oh, and did I mention I am pet sitting too? 

I attended a wonderful conference sponsored by SCBWI in April - and took home lots of information.  Spent a lot of time revising, editing and researching.  I shoved my YA manuscript into a drawer and began to work on my picture book.  Will my manuscript ever be done?  Probably not ever be perfect, can always change one word, take one out and add another.  When will my manuscript actually be ready. Yesterday I took my picture book manuscript to a writer's revision intensive (also sponsored by SCBWI), and came away with a clearer vision of picture book writing:

1) Keep it Simple

2) Remember my Audience

3) WOW 'em with WORDS

I have a little bit of tweaking to do, I promise only a little, I will whitle my picture book down from 750 words to 500. Then off it goes to an editor who will love it!