Ten Things to Love About Mia

The Collaborators

Devoted readers! I know I haven't blogged in ten internet-years, but I promise it was for good reasons. For starters, Mia and the Magic Cupcakes hits the planet tomorrow, December 2! I drove to Centralia today to hang with my beloved partners in publishing, Gorham Printing, and came back 503 hardcover books heavier.

Along the way I also noted some things that will surely interest you:

1. Air Supply is coming to the Emerald Queen Casino on February 26. I kid you not. Air Supply is the ultimate wraparound band--so corny and painful that they're AWESOME. I don't know how they do it, making love out of nothing at all...
2. Everyone runs into little problems. Even the City of Olympia. Half the signs read (correctly) "Capitol," and the other half read "State Capital." Looks like our kids weren't the only ones to flunk the WASL.

But, oh yes--this post was supposed to be about Mia. And the ten reasons you would love her:

1. She has gorgeous full-color illustrations by watercolor artist Teri Sytsma.
   
2. She won the Pacific NW Writers Association Award for Best Children's Picture Book in 2010.
   
3. You can buy her at Pinkabella Cupcakes in Redmond Town Center and Bellevue Square. Which means you can get yourself a six-pack while you're there. Never met a flavor I didn't like, and Margo is always coming up with seasonal specials. Mmmm...
   
4. You can buy her at University Book Store in Bellevue or call it up to the University Book Store nearest you.
   
5. If you don't live locally, you can call University Book Store toll-free to have it shipped! 1.888.335.7323 Ask for gift-wrapping! (No Amazon on this title, I'm afraid--too expensive...)
   
6. You can attend one of the book launch parties to get your copy signed by both authors and the artist. Redmond Town Center on Sunday, December 5, from 2-3 p.m. or Bellevue Square on Tuesday, December 7, from 2-3 p.m.
   
7. You can pair her with a Pinkabella gift certificate for the perfect Christmas gift.
   
8. If you don't have younger children in your life, you can donate a copy to a favorite school or preschool.
   
9. If you lose your flashlight and the power goes out, Mia's endpapers are Pulsar Pink. Which means, if you're not familiar with the Astrobright line, that they're BLINDING. Practically glow-in-the-dark.
   
10. And finally, unlike my other books, Mia contains NO cussing and NO adult situations and is guaranteed NOT to offend any church librarians in your life. Hallelujah!

Rumor has it that one collaborator's relative is planning on buying eighteen copies, which boggles the mind. So get yours while the getting's good!