Super Special Project with Rhino

*****UPDATE: Audio has been redone thanks to my little brother and his recording equipment. Enjoy the new version! :-) ************

I've been teasing over the last few days about a project I'm working on concerning Rhino, Grace, and the rest of the gang from WHO WILL DANCE WITH ME? Finally, I'm ready to share.

Back when I first decided to self-publish my book, my husband had talked me into going that route by coming up with a fantastic idea: making the book into a video to share online.

A couple weeks after the book came out, I made an effort to turn it into a video. Sadly, my video making skills and available tools for creating anything remotely worth watching were nonexistent. I shelved the project and hadn't thought much about it since.

That changed this week. I managed to figure out most of what the heck I was doing and can now share the whole gang with everyone. The only issue I had was with the microphone. Sorry, still don't have professional sound equipment, but I'm hoping at some point in the future to redo the voice over to get rid of the background noise. Other than the poor microphone quality, I'm very happy with the end product.

I'd love to hear what you all think! Especially those of you who haven't had the chance to read the book yet.

In celebration, I'm giving you all a bonus Fun Fact: 

My son's name is Wesley Thomas. Since Rhino is based on him, my daughter thought for the longest time that whenever I 'yelled' at her brother, I was saying 'Wesley Rhinoceros' instead. The fact came to light when she was about two and we asked them what their middle names were. She pointed at Wes and stated his was 'Rhinoceros.' That's why the dedication is written the way it is.

Time for Some Fun Facts with Rhino

Good morning, lovelies! With my week-long trek around Massachusetts (and a quick trip up to Maine) behind me, I wanted to give a quick THANK YOU! to everyone who came out and to all the wonderful libraries and businesses that hosted me. I had a great time.

During the week as I talked to people about WHO WILL DANCE WITH ME?, I realized a lot of the same comments and questions come up at each event. My current favorite, even though it makes me cringe a bit, is 'When is the next book coming out?' (All of you writers out there and anyone who's followed me for any length of time will understand the cringing part of this.) The answer to that question is: I don't know, although I hope soon.

For the rest of the questions, I thought I'd put together a Fun Facts sheet about my first book. It covers questions asked as well as some other little fun tidbits about the book. Ready? Here we go.

10 Fun Facts About WHO WILL DANCE WITH ME?

1. This book was inspired by my son. When he was three, his dance teacher asked them all what they were going to be for Halloween that year. All the girls (ie - the rest of the class) all were going as princesses. When it was my son's turn, he proudly told them all he was going as a rhino, which drew some laughs. I went home, told my husband about the incident, and the next thing I knew the first draft was written.
2. I still have the rhino mask that started it all. I should start bringing it with me to my events.
3. Both my children appear in different ways in the book. My son appears not only as Rhino, but his name (Wesley) was inspiration for the town name - Wesalopolous, a nickname he had as a baby. My daughter, Bridget, appears as the second princess with her constant companion, Bunny.
4. In the first draft, there were eleven princesses and their names all started with different letters of the alphabet (Abigail, Bridget, Cindy, etc.). I cut it down to seven princesses and changed all the names to start with 'B', with the exception of Grace.
5. I met Linda, my illustrator, when we were both performers at a Renaissance faire. She is a professional children's book illustrator and gave me several of her books when she learned I was expecting my first child. A few years later when I picked up my own pen again, she was the first person I thought of for illustrations. She very quickly agreed to help me out when I asked her.
6. Which brings me to the bubbles throughout the book. If you look at all the pages, and even on my bookmarks and marketing items, there are bubbles everywhere. This was Linda's idea. If you go to the last page, you'll understand why. (Not giving spoilers away here. ;-) )
7. Linda also made sure a variety of princesses were represented in her illustrations. The only ones I gave input on were Bridget (because she was based on my daughter) and Grace's final appearance (again, spoilers. You'll have to read the book to find out why.)
8. Rhino's first sketch had him in a t-shirt and tye-dyed vest. After some back and forth, we decided Rhino needed to be more formal. The colorful, playful tye-dye was regulated to his tuxedo vest and toned down a smidge.
9. The book took roughly three years from first draft to publication. 
10. This book is self-published. (This has been the biggest surprise for most people.) I wanted to make sure my children were able to enjoy it before they outgrew the picture book age, so the decision came to publish it myself. I'm glad I did since Wesley is already past the stage, even though he'll humor me by listening to all my stories anyway. ;-)

There you have it, ten fun facts about my book. Have a question or comment I didn't address? Ask me in the comments! I'm always happy to chat.

A Week of Author Events

I started my week-long schedule of author events today with Page Chiropractic in Webster, MA. They had a great Kid's Fun Day with all different activities and entertainers. Awesome crowd for the day, keeping us all hopping and having a good time.

I'd like to give a quick shout-out to two of the awesome entertainers I shared a corner space with. First up is Flippo the Clown. I think I've run into him at other events in the Webster/Dudley area, and his interaction with the kids is fantastic. Watching him making balloon animals, teaching the kids to juggle, and performing magic tricks made the whole day fly by.

My second shout-out is to Gecko Gigglez. Unfortunately I didn't grab a business card like I meant to (I know, it was bad of me) and I can't find her information online. She's just starting out, but her face painting is phenomenal. I'm hoping pictures get posted from today so I can share them. I'm also hoping her online presence starts up and I can link her here so you can all enjoy her fantastic work.

From here on out, it's just me for the week. Doing my readings and making animal masks. Tomorrow I conquer Mendon, MA. Or, you know, just go read and chat with some really great kids.

A huge thank you to Page Chiropractic for the amazing event they hosted. I was very happy to be a part of it.

What to do Over April Vacation

I know this isn't news to some of you, but for everyone else, I'm doing a mini-book tour over April vacation. As always you can find where I'll be on my Appearance page, but for this I'll share here as well.

If you're looking for something to do with the kids and live in close proximity to one of these places, come down and visit! I'll be making animal masks with the kids in addition to reading my book. I'd love to see lots of smiling faces.

TUESDAY, APRIL 22nd, 11 am - 2 pm Page Chiropractic Kid's Day

27 East Main Street, Webster, MA

Different activities will be set up promoting health and wellness for children.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23rd, 10:30 am Taft Public Library

18 Main Street, Mendon, MA

Story time and Craft

THURSDAY, APRIL 24th, 12 pm Lunenburg Public Library

1023 Massachusetts Avenue, Lunenburg, MA

Brown Bag Story Time - Bring a lunch along to eat during the reading

FRIDAY, APRIL 25th, 10:30 am Patten Free Library

33 Summer Street, Bath, ME

Story time and Craft

SATURDAY, APRIL 26TH

11 am Levi Heywood Memorial Library

55 West Lynde Street, Gardner, MA

&

2 pm Belding Memorial Library

244 Main Street, Ashfield, MA

Both of these are Story time and Craft

There you have it, my little whirlwind tour. I'm a bit exhausted just looking at it, but I'm extremely excited. It looks to be a fun week.

Now That the Turkey is Eaten

I hope everyone had a fantastic Thanksgiving. With the Christmas season gearing up, we decided to join in the celebrations.

*****

From now until Christmas Eve, Rhino and all the Princesses 

are celebrating with 20% off. Enter code NZ3N4ZFC through 

the eStore site: https://www.createspace.com/3968200

*****

If you want it signed, you can either pick up a copy at 

one of the Independent Bookstores or order it through me 

under STORES CARRYING MY BOOK.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from our little family to 

yours.

Belated Happy Birthday

Yesterday, November 17th, marked the one year anniversary of WHO WILL DANCE WITH ME? Hard to believe that much time has already gone by since its release. The last year has been a slow building and learning year, but it has been a good experience. I've had the opportunity to go to schools, libraries and bookstores to share my book. I hope the next year turns out even better.

To everyone who's been there to help along the way, whether you purchased a copy or allowed me to visit your school, library or bookstore, a huge THANK YOU! I couldn't have done what I have without you.

So, let's all party! And I'll wait and wonder who will be willing to dance with me in 2014.

When All the Toys Are Opened

Wanted to let you all know I just added another appearance date to my calendar. 

Friday, December 27th I'll be at the Oxford Public Library in Oxford, MA. 

Looking to get out of the house after the Christmas Rush and after-holiday crash? I'll be making animal masks and reading my book. Bring the kids down and relax for a little while with a book of your own.

First Day of School (Visits)

Yesterday marked a new first for me and WHO WILL DANCE WITH ME?.

I've done readings at libraries and bookstores. A few times I've done art projects or tea parties. I've even done art festivals and bazaars. Once I sat on a panel for self-publishing.

Now I can add 'school visits' to the list.

Learning Brooke Early Learning Center in Cranston opened its door to me for back-to-back sessions with some of their students. It was a very different environment from what I've been used to up until now and I have to admit I was a bit nervous. All that changed as soon as I got started. (I'm going to apologize now for any misspelled names as I didn't write them down while I was there.)

The kids in Miss Amanda and Miss Lindsey's Pre-K class were very excited. They had lots of things they wanted to share about their favorite animals, both real and stuffed. Their favorites ranged widely from dogs to elephants and giraffes to fire-breathing dragons. At the end, as I got ready to head down the hall to the kindergarten class, one of the kids asked if he could give me a hug. It ended with me getting mobbed by fourteen 4-year olds all intent on giving me a group hug.

From there, I went to the kindergarten class of Miss Kelly. A slightly smaller and more subdued class, but by no means less imaginative. To start with, their favorite animals included saber-tooth cats (I found out later this was thanks to a Magic Treehouse Book) and a werewolf-vampire-zombie (he confirmed it was all one animal).

I spent more time with the kindergartners as we also made masks. For the first time, I had kids reshaping the paper plates to fit what they wanted to make rather than coloring on certain features or adding construction paper shapes.

These kids were also the most perceptive ones I've read to yet. They had theories about why certain features of Rhino, like his horn, wouldn't bother Grace (she was the smallest so the horn went over her head). They even had a list of questions written out to ask me concerning how to write and publish a book. Afterwards, Miss Kelly informed me they were going to try writing their own book for a contest. When they're done, she's going to e-mail me the result. I can't wait to see what they come up with.

My first school visit is now officially under my belt. I had a fantastic reception and wonderfully curious kids. I'm ready for my next one.

A Little Praise is Nice

Wanted to share the lovely message I received in my email this week. I've taken out identifying details.
I love getting notes like this.

Hi Emily,
I am a youth services librarian at the (Town) Public Library. My Library Director recently gave me a copy of your book, Who Will Dance With Me? to consider for inclusion in the juvenile collection. While our general policy requires that books be reviewed in professional library journals, your book is well written and contains such a positive message that I would like to include it in our picture book collection.
Please let me know what the cost of the book is and how payment can be made to you.

Thank you for thinking of the (Town) Public Library and I wish you well with your lovely book!

(Librarian), youth services librarian

Making Masks and Reading

On Wednesday, July 17th, I was invited to do an author signing/reading along with some Arts & Crafts at Woonsocket Harris Library. Here are the pictures from that fantastic event.

Masks! One Tiger getting fitted.

Making Masks

Bug came, too! Making an elephant mask.

Reading our story

Thanks everyone for coming and having a great time with me!

New Children's Book Blog

Hey guys! For anyone who missed it, there's a new children's book blog in town. Run by Malika Gandhi, Cracking Stories 4 Children aims to help spread the word about different children's book and help readers connect. Today, WHO WILL DANCE WITH ME? joined their ranks.

Take a look and see what you think. Make sure to check back often because you never know what book might catch your, or your little one's, eye.

Spreading Out

Looks like WHO WILL DANCE WITH ME? is getting out there. Not only have copies sold in the UK, but I just ran across this article from Reinbeck, IA. Yes, the book is only mentioned at the end, but it means another library has it on their shelves. Yay!

I want to thank everyone for all their support and help in spreading the word about my book. Without your help, my books would be sitting in a box at the back of my closet. I hope you all know how much I appreciate this and how happy it makes me to see my book out there.

If anyone should come across a copy of my book in a store or library, I'd love to see a picture.

Again, thanks for sharing the love.

If You're Looking for Something to do...

Just a reminder that I'm going to be reading & signing books at Jesse M. Smith Library in Harrisville tomorrow at 11. Bring the kids down. I've been told there will be snacks as well. ;-)

Hope to see some of you there!

I Christen Thee, A Book!

That's right, folks. Saturday was the big day for the launch of WHO WILL DANCE WITH ME? While the party involved treats more along the lines of sugar cookies than champagne, it was still a pretty good success. A huge thanks to Books on the Square for hosting and to Carole and Penny, the event coordinators, for all their help. They made things go much more smoothly than I ever could.

Also, I announced the winners of my I Want to Dance! contest. Thank you to everyone who participated. I'm glad I didn't have to make the decision on my own.

And the winners are:

Congratulations to The Taylor Trio, Nicholas, Natalie & Abigail. Your copy is in the mail. I hope you enjoy it.

Since I can't really do an acknowledgement page in my book, I wanted to take this time to thank everyone who made this possible. First, my creative partner, without whom there really would be no book, just a bunch of words and stick figures on paper. Linda, thank you for all the work you've put into this project.

To my uncredited editor and best friend since kindergarten, Lindsey Gemme. You've always been one of my biggest supporters and most valuable critics. Love you!

To my husband and children. Without them, the creative spark wouldn't have been lit. Thank you for putting up with my craziness and occasional bouts of mental vacantness.

To all my friends and family, thank you for all your love and support during these last couple of years, and these last six months in particular. My mom and dad, Wilfred and Paula, for always believing in me. My brothers, Zachary, Matthew and Aaron, for keeping my imagination going when we were kids.

Love and thanks to everyone. I hope this is the first of many great launch events.

Vote Now, Vote Often!

Today is Election Day and the polls are opened. In honor of this day, voting is now open for the I Want To Dance! contest. Meet the contenders for cutest costumed. 

Trinity and Kylie. They're cute, but
I don't think they read

Stacy (mom)

Lily

Natalie, Abigail & Nicholas

Want to enter? I'll allow write-ins. E-mail me at ermckeon (at) gmail (dot) com with subject line: I WANT TO DANCE! Send a picture of your little one dressed up with their name and your contact information.

Look What I Have!

The proof for my children's book, WHO WILL DANCE WITH ME? came in the mail yesterday. Check out the pictures. Sorry they're a bit blurry. My camera doesn't like the lighting in my apartment.

Cover Work.

Interior Spread

Interior Art

My daughter making
Bunny read.

Bunny making an appearance

Want to win a copy for your little princess or prince? Check out the contest!

My First Contest!

With my children's book WHO WILL DANCE WITH ME? scheduled to hit shelves next month combined with seeing so many awesome kids in costumes last weekend, I've decided to hold my first ever contest. Winner(s) will received a signed copy of the book. Want to know how to win? Here are the rules:

• Take a picture of your child in an awesome costume and e-mail it to me, along with your child's first name, age and an e-mail address I can reach you at. Subject line should read: I want to dance! (This will keep it from being deleted.)
• Pictures can be sent any time between now and November 5th.
• Starting November 1st, I will be putting the pictures I receive up on the blog. People can then vote on their favorites, so make sure you let your friends and family know! Voting will end November 15th.
• On November 17th I will announce the winner at my book launch. 

To be eligible, the child must be 6 years old or under. It's not that I don't love older children and want to see their fabulous costumes, but my book is for a younger audience.

You do not have to be present to win, but I do ask that you live in the US to enter. 

If you have any questions or I forgot to include something, email me or comment below.

Good luck everyone! I can't wait to see the entries.

Come One, Come All!

It's official! The book launch for WHO WILL DANCE WITH ME? will take place on Saturday, November 17th at 2pm. Books on the Square in Providence will be hosting the event.         

Check out the flyer for the event and feel free to help spread the word!

This also means I can add more appearances to my schedule. If you would like to have a book signing at your library or local bookstore, have them send me an email! I'd love to set up a date.

Bookmarks & Postcards & Stickers, Oh My!

The promotional materials for WHO WILL DANCE WITH ME? have arrived! Check them out.

Postcards, Rhino Stickers & LOTS of Bookmarks

3 Different Bookmark designs!

Who wants some?

Anyone interested in helping distribute some to their local libraries and bookshops please send me an email.

Who Will Dance With Me? - Press Release

Children’s Book asks ‘Who Will Dance With Me?’

Written by Emily McKeon  Illustrated by Linda Clearwater

Pawtucket, Rhode Island –November 2012-  Debut author Emily McKeon and veteran illustrator Linda Clearwater team up to bring a new pre-school fairytale to life.

When the princesses of Wesalopolus have a party, they invite everyone in the kingdom. As each princess chooses a dance partner from the assembled guests, Rhino worries no one will dance with him.

Princess Bridget tells him he can’t leap high enough and Princess Bella thinks she’ll be scratched by his rough skin. Can Princess Grace see past these things and find the perfect dance partner?

A whimsically illustrated book for anyone who’s ever felt different.

Emily McKeon (author) resides in the tiny state of Rhode Island with her husband and two children. When not writing, she enjoys playing clarinet and eating crackers with cheese and jam. A graduate of Rhode Island College with a B.A. in theater and writing, she spun around and landed on the random career of bookkeeper before returning to her love of writing. This is her first book.

Linda Clearwater (illustrator) has been designing and illustrating children’s books for over 20 years She graduated from Moore College of Art in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and started her career creating feature illustrations for the Philadelphia Inquirer. She has designed and illustrated books for numerous publishers, including Reader's Digest Children's Books, Harvest House, and Zonderkidz.

For more information about WHO WILL DANCE WITH ME? please visit thewidewritingworldofEmilyMcKeon.blogspot.com or contact Emily McKeon at 401-499-3813 or ERMcKeon@gmail.com