Benjamin Franklin Award Winner 2010

I'm thrilled and announce that We Eat Food That's Fresh! published by Our Rainbow Press, is the 2010 Benjamin Franklin Award winner for the Children's Book & Audiobook Set category. "Named in honor of America's most cherished publisher/printer, the Benjamin Franklin Awards™ recognizes excellence in independent publishing. Publications, grouped by genre are judged on editorial and design merit by top practitioners in each field." Our Rainbow Press is a children's book publisher dedicated to enriching children's lives with quality books that promote self esteem, early reading and literacy, healthy living, and family values.

Click Here for more info and full read along video with companion song

A simply edible book that is rich in colorful fruits and vegetables. Inspires all ages to have a taste of something new! --Produce For Better Health Foundation

Favorite Thanksgiving Picture Book

Are you looking for a good Thanksgiving picture book for your family or classroom?

Give this one a try...
Thank You Sarah: The Woman Who Saved Thanksgiving, written by Laurie Halse Anderson, illustrated by Matt Faulkner.




It's my favorite Thanksgiving picture book, in fact, I've often said that I think it's one of those great stories that should be in every classroom, at least in every library. This time of year, I take my copy off the shelf and display it to share with my family.

Laurie Halse Anderson's story is fun and easy to read while bringing home the message loud and clear that persistence and determination pay off when you truly believe in something and the power of the pen. Don't you think that's a message every child should hear over and over again? It took Sarah Hale 38 years of writing to politicians and presidents before Thanksgiving became a national holiday.

And what would a good picture book be without great pictures? Mat Faulkner's beautiful watercolor and ink illustrations are enticingly detailed, historically correct, and fun.

I've shown the signature page that Matt signed for me at the 2005 Children's Book Illustration Show & Signing at Chemers Gallery. So, you see, he's a nice guy too, besides being a talented illustrator!

I hope your library or local book store carries Thank You Sarah. If not, you might ask them to. I've included some links below where you can buy the book online.

Indie Bound | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Borders

Here's more information about the 18th Annual Children's Book Illustration Show & Signing, coming up Dec 5th, 2009, at Chemers Gallery.

What a Great Day!

We had a great turn out at our book launch party for "We Eat Food That's Fresh!" and "We Love The Company". I am honored and appreciative of the support and enthusiasm of friends, family, and fellow illustrators.

SCBWI Westside Illustrators: Cindy Whitlock, Laura Lacamura,
Irina Mirskaya, Steven Corvelo, Suzy Engleman Block

Some people were so generous as to buy books to give to libraries, preschools, teachers and parents. I can't tell you how much that means to me. If I could, I'd give a book to every library & classroom, to encourage children to eat healthy, but alas, I am only me. So, I am very grateful for the help spreading the word!


Tim Russ play some wonderful songs from his CDs. It was obvious that everyone thoroughly enjoyed his performance. I am so glad that Tim shared his talent to create voice of the chef for "We Eat Food That's Fresh!".






Cathy June, Angela Russ-Ayon, Tim Russ, Irina Mirskaya

We had many helpers to make it a special event. Laura set up refreshments and tended to refreshments while Dennis made sure no one went thirsty. Jisel, Julia, Marcus and Emily helped children make crafts throughout the day on the patio. Thank you Sandi, for rescuing me at the sales table!

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who participated and helped to make it a memorable day!

Angela Russ-Ayon and I will be at another signing at Chemers Gallery for "We Eat Food That's Fresh!" on Saturday, September 12th, from 4-6pm.

Classroom Visits

I had such a great time sharing my new book, "We Eat Food That's Fresh", written by Angela Russ-Ayon, with two classrooms yesterday!

After reading the story and listening to the fun bouncy sing along song we had fun making art projects.

In Mrs. McMath's 1st grade class each student decorated their paper "I'm the Chef" hat and cut it out. With a little help and a little tape they were fit to size and ready to wear.

We all worked together to decorate an eight foot banner with our favorite fruits and vegetables using soft pastels, my favorite art medium ;)

Here's a picture of the colorful banner made by Mrs. McMath's talented 1st graders:


In Mrs Rios' kindergarden class we also worked together to make a mouth watering banner with loads of fruits and vegetables. Unfortunately, I left in a rush and forgot to take a picture.

Summer picnics must be on the students minds, because watermelons were definately a favorite in both classrooms!

Thank you Mrs. McMath & Mrs. Rios for sharing your students with me!

Click here for more about
"We Eat Food That's Fresh"

Thank you CHEMERS GALLERY for supplying paper for the banners!