Dig, Dogs, Dig hits the Target!

My publisher informed me this morning that Dig, Dogs, Dig is being picked up by Target. 

Target has approximately 1765 stores nationwide. I'm told Target is very selective in which titles they carry so this is a great sign that they like the book and think it will sell well. It's scheduled to be in Target stores by mid-May.

Can't wait till April 30th when the book is finally released. Hopefully, this is only the beginning of great things to come for Duke, and the crew!

Kirkus Review

Another good review for Dig, Dogs, Dig.

Here's the review:

"A dozen dogs and one black cat work hard to build a playground in this amusing story that will please kids who love excavators, cranes and dump trucks.

The dogs wake up in their dormitory as the sun rises, and after breakfast, they're off to the construction site in their heavy-duty trucks. Each type of construction equipment and its function is described in the rhyming text as the dogs dig a huge pit and excavate a dinosaur bone. As the day goes on, the dogs work cooperatively to construct a playground complete with a dinosaur-bone display, landscaping, trails and a duck pond. Computer-generated, cartoon-style illustrations show cheerful canines and lots of activity at the site, but these dogs are pros, as their heavy equipment is carefully researched (and they always wear their hard hats). The entire construction process is conveyed in an energetic manner that is both entertaining and educational. The crew is identified by name on the endpapers, from Duke, the "top dog" boss, to Jinx, the black cat mascot.
No new ground is excavated here, but these cheerful canines build up a charming bond with their intended audience. (Picture book. 3-6)"

Taking on the Classics

I just saw the first review of my book Dig, Dogs, Dig: A Construction Tail. Here's the link: bookaunt.blogspot.com.

It appears about a third of the way down, subtitled, "Taking on P.D. Eastman". It's a nice review and, I hope, the first of many to come. Although, I'm not actually "taking on" P.D. Eastman. I appreciate the reviewer's association. I really love P.D. Eastman's work and have always been a huge fan. And I'm honored to have my book compared and associated with Go, Dog. Go!

Here's a small excerpt:

"…I can happily recommend Dig, Dogs, Dig. It has real verve, and I think young readers (especially boys) are going to like it. Try pairing it with its mentor and predecessor, Go, Dog. Go!"

If you're a P.D. Eastman fan as well, you'll discover I pay homage to his work in a dozen small ways throughout my soon to be released series. In my mind, Go, Dog. Go! is the premier "dog book" of a generation. I hope my work only adds to the genre in some small way.

 

Build, Dogs, Build: A Tall Tail

The Epson Prints from HarperCollins arrived today for book number two: Build, Dogs, Build. Very pleased with the colors and textures. Everything looks like it came out just the way I expected. It's nice when there are no surprises!

This one is scheduled to release in the fall of 2013. I'll post more updates as the book moves through the process. Still working on the cover. I need to finish it soon, it's almost time to start working on the final art for book number three!