What's the deal?

It feels like a dang fortnight since I blogged last. The thing is, I've been fully absorbed. Julie had surprise surgery last week--an appendectomy. I lost my wedding ring--have yet to find (a complete mystery). I've got a big picture book deadline on my shoulders--my second author illo. And just usual, you know, living. It's been wild.

As promised, my blog url has changed. If you made it this far, you got the news. And thank you.

In the coming weeks, I will be thoroughly flogging my next book, titled, JUSTIN CASE: SCHOOL, DROOL, AND OTHER DAILY DISASTERS. A middle-grade novel written by none other than Ms. Rachel Vail. Pictures provided by me. Published by Feiwel and Friends and readily available on April 27. A very fun one, do say so myself. Here is a more formal description from the pub:

It’s the start of the school year, and nothing feels right to Justin. He didn’t get the teacher he wanted, he’s not in the same class as his best friend, and his little sister, Elizabeth, is starting kindergarten at his school. Elizabeth doesn’t seem nervous at all. Justin is very nervous about third grade. And to top it off, he’s lost his favorite stuffed animal, but he can’t tell anyone, because technically he’s too old to still have stuffed animals. Right?

Here is third grade in all its complicated glory—the friendships, the fears, and the advanced math. Acclaimed author Rachel Vail captures third grade with a perfect pitch, and Matthew Cordell’s line art is both humorous and touching. As Justin bravely tries to step out of his shell, he will step into readers’ hearts.

I'll be showing some of my drawings in the coming weeks. And I'm gonna do one of my patented contests (win a book!... or something), so stay tuned. For now, here's the cover (click it, make it bigger)!