BIG. News. Followed by Even. BIGGER. News.

I’ve been waiting excitedly for the time when I could share some BIG. News.

And, now that time has come! Announcing…my second book, The Mitten.

Cover of “The Mitten”

It’s a fresh take on the wonderful old Ukrainian folktale and, like Barnacle Carnival, is published by Jumping Jack Press.

This time around, though, there’s a different illustrator on the book: Pippa Curnick. Pippa’s illustrations are so lovely and sweet and cozy—perfect for this happy book. I adore them. (Please note that my copies of the final product are still on their way: these hurried photos of an earlier prototype do not do the illustrations any justice whatsoever.)

Spread six of “The Mitten”

And, Pippa’s illustrations—along with Yevgeniya Yeretskaya’s as-always fab-tastic paper engineering—bring me to the Even. BIGGER. News.

Drum roll, please….

Parents Magazine just announced their “Best Children’s Books of 2014,” and The Mitten made the list as best pop-up book! How exciting is that?!?

Obviously, the illustrations and engineering are what won this book such fantastic recognition, but I’m delighted to be tagging along for the ride. What a thrill!

And, for those of you wondering where you can get your hands on a copy, it’s available now through Barnes & Noble (I imagine you’ll be able to find it in their brick-and-mortar locations as well). It’s also available on Amazon.

Spread 3 of “The Mitten”

I realize I’m not exactly an objective party, here, but The Mitten is a genuinely delightful seasonal book, perfect for any age group (the simple pop-ups make it less likely to be destroyed even by the smallest hands). And, it’s non-denominational, so folks of any religion or lack thereof can all enjoy it. (Evergreens do appear in the book, but only as part of the landscape.)

So, if you see it at your local bookshop, pick it up and take a peek!