An early Christmas gift

Today I received a really exciting package -- copies of the Scholastic Book Club edition of CHRISTMAS IS HERE! I found out a few months back that Scholastic had chosen Christmas Is Here to be part of their book club, and I was beyond excited.

One of my very favorite memories of elementary school was when the Scholastic Book Fair came, and I was allowed to pick out and buy a book all on my own. The first book I remember buying was Imogene's Antlers by David Small. To this day it is still one of my favorite books. And David Small is one of my illustration heroes :)

 If you're interested, you can download the "Holiday Gift Books" catalog right HERE

Thank you Scholastic for including my book in your club!!

This Saturday I will be signing copies of my most recent books at Barnes and Noble in Bel Air, Maryland. If you live nearby, come say hello!

Winning hearts

Reviewers, kids, & even famous authors have been falling for little Spunky. And I don't blame them. Ann Cameron wrote a fantastic story about this loving dog and his family, and I'm so glad it's getting the attention it deserves. Hooray for Ann and Spunky (and our fabulous editor, Frances Foster, too)!

Here are some review clips:

“Cameron has written another top-notch entry in the Julian and Huey series, this time from the brothers’ pup’s perspective . . . Readers will be simultaneously tickled by [Spunky's] canine observations and moved by the profound connection between dog and family . . . Though the narrative doesn’t need embellishment, thickly outlined illustrations pepper the text, giving readers a visual reference for some of Spunky’s antics. A gem.”--School Library Journal, Starred Review

"The beloved family of Julian and Huey Bates (The Stories Julian Tells, 1981, etc.) is back after a long hiatus. Spunky, their mixed-breed dog, hilariously reveals all about his humans and realizes his purpose in life . . . Spunky’s love of his boy, Huey, will bring a tear to the eyes of dog lovers, too. Castillo’s perfect black-and-white spot drawings capture the energy and intelligence of both animals as they begin the careful dance of new friendship . . . Readers ready for chapter books will delight in seeing the world through Spunky’s eyes and powerful nose.”

--Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“With a jacket showing a winsome pup only Cruella de Vil could dislike, this is a beginning chapter book that begs to be read.” --Horn Book Magazine

 “Dog fans … will delight in Spunky’s tail-wagging tale-telling, which could introduce a new generation of kids to the Bates family chronicles . . . [A] deeply touching tribute to the dog-kid bond.” --Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (BCCB)

“Spunky Tells All is a beautiful tale of human, cat, and dog finding friendship together. I loved it. It speaks with deep spirit and fine observation of small telling things in a way that young humans will understand.” --Paula Fox, author of the Newbery Award winning The Slave Dancer

“I loved going back inside Huey and Julian's world, but this time, through the eyes of the wise and loyal Spunky. A book with humor, heart, and a lovable dog. Who could ask for more?"
—Barbara O’Connor, author of How to Steal a Dog

“I fell in love with Spunky who, in his own words, is a considerate Dog and only tries to do what is best for his human family. His tale, both charming and hilarious, will make readers laugh out loud—and pay much closer attention to what their own dogs are really saying.”
—Ann M. Martin, author of Everything for a Dog

“I loved it all the way to the end.” 
--Ivan, Beaverton, Oregon, age 12

 

“I liked your book so much that I want to buy it and read it to my sister before she goes to bed.”
--Connor, Beaverton, Oregon, age 11

The Original Art 2011

I'm honored that two of my books are included in this years Original Art Show at the Society of Illustrators! Many thanks to the jury for selecting CHRISTMAS IS HERE and MELVIN AND THE BOY. I look forward to seeing lots of lovely book folks at the opening reception next Thursday evening, October 27th. Here are the details if you'd like to join. Hope to see you there!

Spunky leaps in to libraries and bookstores today!

 

So excited to announce the release of SPUNKY TELLS ALL, written by the wonderful Ann Cameron. You can read this lovable dog's story in either hardcover OR Ebook. 

Go on and grab your copy today! How could you resist such a dog? : )

more blogger love

There's been some more love for Melvin in the blogosphere the last few months!
I wanted to take the time to thank these kind bloggers for the nice things they have said about the book:

 “Melvin and the Boy” is a lovely little book. Both text and illustration work in concert with each other to create a fun, cohesive whole. The text is simple and straightforward with playful artwork filling in the holes. Children will love the images of other pets and parents will appreciate the book’s message. And a two-page section at the end featuring turtle facts is a fun and somewhat unexpected addition.  ~ Cracking The Cover

The Boy of the story is delightfully sweet and appealing, his words expressed simply and honestly. Castillo's text and illustrative style are equally praiseworthy.  ~ Storied Cities

Melvin and the Boy revisits the familiar theme of the child who wants a pet, but successfully finds the sweet and sentimental tone missing from most picture books on that topic.  The illustrations are beautiful and have a timeless feeling about them.  At the end of the story there is a series of facts about turtles to share with the young readers. Melvin and the Boy will remind you of the classics.  ~ A Picture Book A Day

 Every picture is beautiful and charming, with fabulous contrast between bright and subdued colors. There is so much to look at on every page that the squirmiest toddler is sure to focus, and yet Castillo manages not to go too far in the other direction and make the illustrations too busy, they are just wonderfully nuanced. ~ Devourer of Books

 In my opinion [Lauren] hit a home-run with Melvin and the Boy.  The illustrations do a beautiful job of walking with the text though the story.  Nothing about this book is flashy.  It has the look and feel of a classic.    ~ Sharpread

 Thank you again. The amount of praise Melvin has received is truly overwhelming.
xo~Lauren

A MELVIN reading

Special thanks to the precious (4 yr old) Rachel Marshall for sharing her wonderful reading of Melvin and the Boy. You did an A+ job, Rachel! Keep up the great work :) xoxo

Turtle Facts poster!

Parents! Teachers! Turtle lovers! There is now a fun and informative 11 x 17" MELVIN poster available for free on the Macmillan website. Just head right HERE where you can click on the link to download and print a copy for your classroom or homework room.

Did you know that turtles were here on Earth before dinosaurs?!

A very snowy desktop

My computer's desktop has become snowier by the day, as I hustle to finish up final art for my newest book, THE READER, by the great Amy Hest. Placing myself in this blustery snowscape helped me to survive the string of heatwaves we had in NYC this summer. Perfect timing I say :) 

International Society for Animal Rights

 Last month I had the pleasure of donating a signed copy of my book Melvin and the Boy as part of a raffle to help raise money for ISAR's (International Society for Animal Rights) International Homeless Animals' Day. 

Here's a bit about this annual event:                                                                          "In 1992, ISAR introduced International Homeless Animals’ Day as an innovative educational vehicle with a purpose of informing society of the global tragedy that overwhelms animal shelters each year – pet overpopulation. Since the conception of International Homeless Animals’ Day, ISAR has reserved the third Saturday of August, commemorating the Day annually, to promote new campaigns, programs, and ideas on the solution to the pet overpopulation epidemic: spay/neuter."

If you're interested in learning more about ISAR, or would like to help, please head over to their website for more information.