Several months ago I took one of my four-footed critters to the veterinary clinic, and while we waited for the vet I read to my daughter from Winnie the Pooh. When the doctor came into the examination room he smiled and talked about his mother reading Charlotte's Web to him so many times that he practically had it memorized by the time he was old enough to read it himself. The following month, I picked up a copy of Charlotte's Web as a gift for his birthday. He cradled the book like a newborn puppy, slowly turning the pages, lost in his own world for a few moments.

"This is so touching," he said. "It's still my favorite book."

What an awesome opportunity we have as children's authors. We create stories that children will have read to them over and over again in the comfort of a parent's or grandparent's lap. We create stories that children will read to themselves for the very first time. We create memories that will stay with the child who lingers in the hearts of all adults. What children's author wouldn't love to hear the words, "It's still my favorite book."?

Congratulations to our fellow members for creating the following sensations…

JOAN MARIE ARBOGAST

Joan's article, Stained Glass Stories, featuring her dazzling photographs of the stained glass art found in the Soldier's Memorial of Glendale Cementary (Akron, OH), was showcased in the February, 2008 issue of Cobblestone Magazine.

JEAN DAIGNEAU

Our reticent Assistant Regional Advisor tried to keep this one from the press but, fortunately for us, loose lips prevailed! The word is out about about the recent sale of her puzzle challenge, Math Connection, to Highlights for Children!

JEANNINE GARSEE

MARK HAVERSTOCK

Some of you may have taken one or both of Mark Haverstock's excellent magazine workshops at the conference in September. Mark has been invited to share more of his advice as a member of the faculty at the July 2008 Chatauqua Writers Workshop. He'll be working alongside Eileen and Jerry Spinelli, Carolyn Yoder, and Patricia Lee Gauch. For more information see http://highlightsfoundation.org/pages/current/chautauqua_top.html

MAUREEN JOHNSON

Brooklyn Play Publishers have offered to publish Maureen Johnson's play, The Nameless Princess, the tale of a princess who remains unnamed until her sixteenth birthday. Brooklyn Play Publishers' catalog is distributed to over 30,000 schools. Bravo, Maureen! Encore, encore!

KATHIANN KOWALSKI

It would be easier to say where Kathiann wasn't published in the past year, she's been so busy! Her latest book, Free Trade: Open for Debate, is available now from Marshall Cavendish/Benchmark Books. Kathiann also had numerous articles published in Cobblestone, AppleSeeds, Odyssey, YES Mag, and Faces.

KAREN MAIZEL & ANNETTE SHELDON

Member illustrator, Karen Maizel, and our own dynamic Regional Advisor and author, Annette Sheldon, have managed the impossible a second time by selling a picture book manuscript, complete with illustrations, to Magination Press! The book, Big Brother Now, will be the companion to Annette and Karen's first compiliation, Big Sister Now, also published by Magination Press. There are lots of rules in this crazy business we've chosen but the most important may be, never say it can't be done!

ASMA MOBIN-UDDIN

Asma Mobin-Uddin's third picture book, A Party in Ramadan, was accepted by Boyds Mill Press with a tentative release date of Spring 2009. The story is about Leena attending a classmate's party during the month of Ramadan while she is fasting. This is Asma's third book with Boyds Mill Press. Asma's second picture book, The Best Eid Ever, is now available and you can pick up your copy today!

DEBBRA BEECHER NANCE

Lunch for a King, Debbie's first picture book, was signed with Open Book Press and will be on the shelves at a bookstore near you for Christmas 2008. Don't forget to ask Santa for a copy!

MELANIE STINSON

The check's in the mail for Melanie Stinson. Highlights for Children reprinted her story Weirdest of All for educational testing material.

Joell Stebelton is a writer and full-time mom to a son and daughter, four dogs, two cats, and one husband. She is currently reading Fondling Your Muse in the hopes of getting better stories from the one sitting on her shoulder!