Greetings, friends! We're coming out of hibernation at long last, and we're excited to kick off the 2016 holiday season with our "Christmas in June" booth at the Bay Area Book Festival. We'd love to see you there! You'll find us near the Kid's Stage in Civic Center Park in Berkeley, California (map below), 10am-6pm, Saturday and Sunday, June 4th and 5th. To celebrate, we're also offering a great deal to help you stock up on the best Christmas gift around (if we do say so ourselves): Mr. Dog's Christmas at the Hollow Tree Inn. Whether you pop by the festival to buy your books, or order online, receive a 25% discount when you buy two or more books (now through...

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I am eternally grateful to my brother, Jason, for inspiring me to publish "Mr. Dog’s Christmas at the Hollow Tree Inn." As I wrote to him on the book’s acknowledgements page: “...this book simply wouldn’t be, were it not for your sly suggestion to me one Christmas morning.” Though Jason carefully avoids the limelight, I know what a softie he is about "Mr. Dog’s Christmas" and I really wanted him to share his thoughts here on the blog. So I pestered and guilted him the way only a big sister can. He relented and delivered this: the most beautiful recollection of our childhood Christmases—and Mr. Dog’s place there—that I could have hoped for. Thank you once again, little brother. ~Betsy...

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It dawned on me recently: this month marks my 1st year anniversary as a publisher. It still feels strange to call myself that, though it’s undeniable that I have 1) produced a book, 2) sold that book, and now have even 3) reprinted that book with the intention of selling more of them. I’m pretty sure that’s what a publisher does. I may still be settling into my new title, but I'm truly happy and grateful to be here—headed into another Christmas season as Mr. Dog's publisher.   In January 2014, shortly after I began working on Mr. Dog, I joined a mastermind group with five other entrepreneurial women. At our first meeting, we made sticky note nametags, stating one big...

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Greetings, Readers! Today I’m delighted to share an interview between our publisher, Betsy, and our book’s designer, Cynthia Wigginton. As you’ll learn, Cynthia’s creative talents aren’t limited to graphic design. She’s also an incredibly accomplished musician with some amazing stories from her rock and roll* life. Enjoy! Your faithful friend,   * Betsy had to tell me what “rock and roll” meant, but she assured me that you’ll understand. Designer and musician, Cynthia Wigginton, photo © Bart Nagel Betsy: What were your favorite books as a little girl? Are there any in particular that have inspired your interest in book design? Cynthia: I've always been an avid reader, so this is a tough question! I admire the work of so...

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Greetings, Friends! My oh my, but it's been a long time since I've blogged! To make up for my long absence, I have a wonderful little video interview with our illustrator, Adam McCauley, to share with you. Adam talks about developing the Hollow Tree characters—including yours truly, of course!—and about working with Betsy's family on this independent publishing project. Enjoy!   P.S. Did you know we're offering FREE SHIPPING* on all orders? It's a great way to stock up now on the Christmas gift that will be enjoyed for generations to come!*Free shipping ends 11/30/15 at midnight PST.

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