Let the Countdown Begin!

You have not been forgotten! Life has been full of so much crazy zany madness while working to set everything in motion for the Nana Banana and the Weirdo OFFICIAL BOOK LAUNCH- Whoo hoo!! Today is the day I get to spill the beans about all the great things planned to commemorate this adventure. With all things in life, little hiccups seem to come our way at just the right time to stretch our flexibility and patience and I am learning that in the world of publishing this is definitely the case. We spent a little extra time placing all of those amazing butterflies and the effect is outstanding. I have learned that just because the book is complete and ready to go to print, doesn’t mean it is the first in queue. Patiently waiting in line is a difficult task for adults too! I know that when I get those first copies in my little hands it will all be worth it. Truly my Christmas is coming a little bit early as I get to share this with all of you! The month of December is going to be packed full of local events for the premiere of Nana Banana and the Weirdo so if you are in, around, or near the greater Jackson, Michigan area please come out and help us celebrate with face painting, balloon creations, crafts, author and illustrator signings, live music, and fun for the whole family.

Online purchasing will be available beginning December 10th at our brand new website www.ranwrites.com

As a launch gift to readers, if you pick up your copy of Nana Banana and the Weirdo at one of our events or website throughout December and January, 2011 you will receive a discount off the retail price, no sales tax, and free shipping! Come directly to the source to secure your copy before its release to Barnes and Noble, Amazon and other fine retailers.

Book Launch Events

Nana Banana and the Weirdo Book Launch Events- December 2011

Let the Countdown Begin!

You have not been forgotten! Life has been full of so much crazy zany madness while working to set everything in motion for the Nana Banana and the Weirdo OFFICIAL BOOK LAUNCH- Whoo hoo!! Today is the day I get to spill the beans about all the great things planned to commemorate this adventure. With all things in life, little hiccups seem to come our way at just the right time to stretch our flexibility and patience and I am learning that in the world of publishing this is definitely the case. We spent a little extra time placing all of those amazing butterflies and the effect is outstanding. I have learned that just because the book is complete and ready to go to print, doesn’t mean it is the first in queue. Patiently waiting in line is a difficult task for adults too! I know that when I get those first copies in my little hands it will all be worth it. Truly my Christmas is coming a little bit early as I get to share this with all of you! The month of December is going to be packed full of local events for the premiere of Nana Banana and the Weirdo so if you are in, around, or near the greater Jackson, Michigan area please come out and help us celebrate with face painting, balloon creations, crafts, author and illustrator signings, live music, and fun for the whole family.

Online purchasing will be available beginning December 10^th at our brand new website www.ranwrites.com.

As a launch gift to readers, if you pick up your copy of Nana Banana and the Weirdo at one of our events or website throughout December and January, 2011 you will receive a discount off the retail price, no sales tax, and free shipping! Come directly to the source to secure your copy before its release to Barnes and Noble, Amazon and other fine retailers.

We Have a Winner!

Thanks to all of the online voting our contest was a huge success. The winning butterfly was created by Caroline, age 9 and will have its own special feature in the upcoming book Nana Banana and The Weirdo. All of the selected artists (runners up and finalists) will be included within the pages of this quirky tale.

Even as I write this, super talented illustrator Carrie Joers is fine tuning the placement of each beautiful butterfly and putting the finishing touches on all of her sketches. The art for this book is being created using a combination of techniques. We are hoping to produce a look that has all the playfulness of pencil sketching combined with the saturated bold colors of digital media.

Enjoy this little sneak peak and check back soon for details on an upcoming giveaway!

FINALISTS POSTED-Voting Begins!

What an awesome week we have had here in Nana Banana Land. We received over 500 beautiful butterflies for our art contest. A great job was done by one and all and let me tell you narrowing down the choices for our top picks was a pretty rough task. For those of you who want the inside scoop on how the selection processes went down, here you go.

First all entries were sorted according to age group (ages 2-6 Lower Elementary, ages 7-10 Upper Elementary, and ages 11-13 Middle School). Then the bottom tabs were folded over to conceal contestant and school names. Next the author’s team sorted through the masses until we came up with our top five picks for each age group. Lastly, the illustrator’s team identified the top two finalists out of each group. Now it is all up to the online voters to determine who will be named the Grand Prize Winner! Check out the Finalist Slideshow and then vote here on our poll for your favorite butterfly.

All of the finalists and the runners up will be featured together in the book, Nana Banana and The Weirdo! The Grand Prize Winner will have a separate showcase within the book and will also receive an autographed copy!

The poll will only be open until October 28 so be sure to vote! Follow us by email to get the most up to date information on this contest, the book release, upcoming events, and more!

Congratulations to all of the runners up and a big Thank You to everyone who participated! 

Blazing Butterflies

What an awesome response we’ve had to our art contest! Kids ages 2-13 put pencils, pens, markers, crayons, and paints to paper and created some fantastic butterflies. Several hundred entries are currently being reviewed to select the cream of the crop and identify the winners in each group. All 1^st place entries will be posted here at www.rrwrites4kids@blogspot.com  by Monday October 17^th. Online voting for the Grand Prize Winner will be open until Friday October 28^th.

I just had to snap a few quick pics to post here. While doing so, one little voter came fluttering by floating in and out of my outdoor gallery. How cool is that?

CALLING ALL YOUNG ARTISTS!!

I am so excited to offer up all the details on an awesome contest for all those budding artists out there!

Children ages 2-13 will have the chance to get their artwork included in my latest book, Nana Banana and the Weirdo- in stores and online this November! Simply download the Entry Form and Contest Info pdfs to get started.

A winner from each age group (2-4, 5-7, 8-10, 11-13) will be selected based on color use and creativity. Participants may use paints, pencils, pastels, crayons, or any mixed media to complete the illustration on the entry form. Be creative!! Throughout the contest, I will post various entries on this site, so be sure to check back and see what great things the kids come up with. Once the age groups winners have been announced, their work will be posted here and viewers at home will be able to log on and vote for one Grand Prize Winner to receive an autographed copy of the book.

Every child is allowed two submissions each. So download the forms and get started today!

Art Contest

Contest Rules

Nana Banana and the Weirdo is on the Way!

The first installment of a hopeful series, Nana Banana and the Weirdo will be available November 2011!

Nana Banana and the Weirdo is a quirky tale that teaches confidence, interpersonal communication, social and self awareness.

Every child wants to fit in and feel normal. This often leads to pointing out differences in a negative way. My real Nana Banana always gave the best advice. She is one of the greatest characters in my life and I knew there was a story there that would resonate with people. Kids especially need to learn how to become comfortable in their own skin and embrace what makes them unique.  

This book is not only a tribute to one of the most significant influences in my life, but also an acknowledgement of the schools I have worked for and attended. It is intended to help children recognize their individuality and help them embrace who they are. Nana Banana and the Weirdo includes a follow up section full of discussion prompts and activities- great for use at home or within a classroom! 

Look for it in stores and online this November!

Check back for sneak peeks, suggestions on other great reads, and info on a upcoming art contest for children ages 2-13.