Making Merry, A Blog

Rocket Writes a Story

Happy news! A sequel to The New York Times bestselling How Rocket Learned to Read by Tad Hills, Rocket Writes a Story, will be published this summer.

Starred reviews in both Kirkus Reviews and Publishers Weekly!

From Kirkus Reviews: "...a perfect choice to inspire new readers and writers."

From Publishers Weekly: "...a natural follow-up to How Rocket Learned to Read."  "...adept at showing Rocket’s setbacks and successes...while offering excellent tips for children [writing a story]." 

Go, Rocket!

Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons!

Have you seen the video for the new Pete the Cat book?

Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons! 

 

We're huge Pete fans and always get a kick out of the "groovin' bestsellers" written by Eric Litwin and illustrated by James Dean. 

Our super popular Pete doll now comes in two sizes, the regular 14.5" size and a new giant 32" size.

It's all good! :)

One Love Doll and Book

So very excited about the new items in our lineup!

One that brings on a big smile is our One Love Doll from the joyful book by Cedella Marley and Vanessa Brantley Newton based on Bob Marley's beloved song.

Here's a glimpse of the book.

 Our first shipment of this doll should be in stock in May. Can't wait!   

 

SCBWI Sketching Duel

Something special... pictures from the SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators) "Draw Off" at the Bologna Children's Book Fair.

The exciting Paul O. Zelinsky vs. Bob Barner sketching duel!

Such a treat to see in person, and certainly one of the highlights of the Bologna Children's Book Fair.

Magnifico!

New Fun! for Spring 2012

Exciting things coming up here at MerryMakers:

Let us know what you like.

We love to hear feedback on our characters!

World Read Aloud Day 2012

It's World Read Aloud Day!

For more info, check out the LitWorld site.  

Happy Reading...

Happy Day to You

 

Happy

Valentine's

   

 Day!

 

Hope it's a fun one.

A Cute Cat with Heart

It's almost time for Valentine's day...

Heart in hand, Splat the Cat might be the perfect gift for that special someone in your life.

Librarians Love Pete the Cat

Just returned from the ALA Midwinter Meeting in Dallas.

Loads of fun and such a treat to be surrounded by enthusiastic librarians. Here's a great shot of our supersized Pete the Cat getting a kiss.

"Everyone at My Library Loves Pete the Cat"

Thanks so much for the fun photo and to everyone who stopped by to say hi!

Penny and Her Song | Kevin Henkes

So excited about the upcoming February 28th release of Penny and Her Song by Kevin Henkes.

It recently received a *STARRED REVIEW* in the January 9^th issue of Publishers Weekly. "Much as he did in Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse, Henkes presents an irrepressible heroine..."

Our new Penny doll is a super cute companion!