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Last week, the lovely and talented Courtney Pippin Mathur was "it"-  in The Next Big Thing Blog Tour.

Started in Australia, "The Next Big Thing" is now racing across the globe as authors and illustrators tag one  another- asking/answering 10 questions on their blogs about their "next big thing" in children's books.

This week, thanks to Courtney, (whose blog I totally recommend you check out), I am "it"!

So here are my ten answers to Courtney's Questions for...

The Next Big Thing!

 1) What is the  title of your next/most recent book?

TEA REX
(Which is especially fitting for this blog post as Rex, himself, is VERY big indeed!)

2) Who is publishing it?

TEA REX, is being published by  the fabulous folks at Viking Children's Books- an imprint of Penguin Young Readers Group

3) When does it hit bookstore shelves?

APRIL 9, 2013!

4) What genre does your book fall under? Picture book? Middle Grade? YA?

Picture Book (sub-genres: Etiquette, Tea Parties, Dinosaurs, Mayhem... )

5) Please give  a  one-sentence synopsis of your book…

TEA REX is a book that will teach young readers everything they need to know about hosting a proper tea party.*

*As long as they don't look at the pictures... which tell an entirely different story.

6) How long did it take you to write the first draft of the manuscript? 

One afternoon, over a cup of tea.

7. How long did it take you to complete the finished artwork?

Many afternoons, countless cups of tea, and scores of scones (Mmmmm... scones).

8.) Who or what inspired you to write this book?

A little voice from the back seat of the car asking me: "Mom... do T-Rexes like crumpets?"*

*For the answer to that question- you'll just have to read the book.

9.) What actors would you choose to play the part of your characters in a
movie rendition? 

Oh, that's a toughy... In my mind, the book plays out like a silent film... so I'm thinking Charlie Chaplain would have made a fantastic  Rex... or Buster Keaton... Yes, Buster Keaton in a dinosaur suit. That would be awesome!

10) What else would you like readers to know about this book?
That is best enjoyed with a friend... and a cup of tea... and a cookie.

And speaking of friends... it's time for me to tag another author/illustrator pal!

Susan Reagan- author/illustrator of the adorable new Picture Book TWEET HEARTS...
You're "it"!

Check out more of Susan's work on her  Facebook page and online at Painted-Words.

*Photo Credit: WENN.com

“Tara Lazar’s LITTLE RED GLIDING HOOD, with an icy twist on the familiar fairy tale, where Little Red is desperately searching for a partner in the upcoming doubles skating competition, to Heidi Kilgras at Random House Children’s, by Ammi-Joan Paquette at Erin Murphy Literary Agency (World).”

Thanks for making my announcement, Ryan. *blush*

It couldn’t have come on a better day!

This was a deal that required a lot of perseverance. It proved to me that writers should never give up on a story.

And I must say that I am thrilled beyond all beyond (is that even an idiom?) to be working with Heidi Kilgras, who has edited titles of industry legends such as Jane Yolen. WOWZA.

From the very beginning, Heidi had a particular illustrator in mind for this project. I hope to share that news with you soon because it’s pretty darn awesome!

Congratulations to all the writers and illustrators featured in PM today! In picture book news, Marilyn Sadler sold ALICE FROM DALLAS to Abrams Children’s and Susan Reagan sold PINGO AND PUFF to Hyperion Children’s.

And now, it’s time to PAR-TAY!