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I have to admit I was bummed. I received the first review of my book in the mail Friday. It was in an envelope from my publisher and arrived without warning so I opened. Our state chapter SCBWI leader, Esther, has always told us not to read reviews. But I had no idea what was in the envelope.

Part of the review was unkind--it said my "verse often falters annoyingly," which annoyed me to no end. But I was prepared to receive a less than favorable review because everyone doesn't like rhyming books and they are often held to a higher standard.

The part of the review that was just plain inaccurate, however, is the part that sent me to depression. "Bright colorful illustrations portray Shante's energy and determination to save her family tradition, but, of course, these seem to be miracle peas that don't need soaking overnight." DUH! These are FRESH peas, explained in the accompanying recipe, but even if they were dried peas, this is a misconception about soaking peas overnight.

So after about only an hour and one Dairy Queen ice cream cone, I figured out how to turn this lemon-filled review into lemonade. I'll keep you posted.

If you want to buy my book and judge for yourself, check it out on Amazon.com or contact your local bookseller. 


Shante Keys and the New Year's Peas 

 We writers all dream our characters will turn into literary super heroes and earn us a lottery full of money. But do we ever dream they can fight disease and help for a brighter future? Hardly ever.

I have to admit I never even imagined that was possible. How on earth could little Shante' do something like that? I got the surprise of a lifetime last week when I found out that she will contribute in the fight against cancer.

The illustrator of my picture book, Marion Eldridge, used Shante' in her snowflake design this year for Robert's Snow. (http://www.jimmyfund.org/eve/event/roberts-snow/default.html) If you've never heard of Robert's Snow, it's an auction of snowflakes designed by children's illustrators to benefit the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. It was started by illustrator Grace Lin as her husband Robert fought cancer, a battle he lost last month. I actually got teary eyed when I saw Shante' in that snowflake. I hope some wealthy person (are you reading this Oprah?) will fall in love with her, as Marion and I have, and bring in tons of money for cancer research.

You can see the snowflake on Marion's new blog:

http://marion-eldridgenews.blogspot.com/