Wednesday, October 19, 2011

The Original Art 2011

I'm honored that two of my books are included in this years Original Art Show at the Society of Illustrators! Many thanks to the jury for selecting CHRISTMAS IS HERE and MELVIN AND THE BOY. I look forward to seeing lots of lovely book folks at the opening reception next Thursday evening, October 27th. Here are the details if you'd like to join. Hope to see you there!

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Spunky leaps in to libraries and bookstores today!

 
So excited to announce the release of SPUNKY TELLS ALL, written by the wonderful Ann Cameron. You can read this lovable dog's story in either hardcover OR Ebook. 
Go on and grab your copy today! How could you resist such a dog? : )

Monday, October 3, 2011

more blogger love

There's been some more love for Melvin in the blogosphere the last few months!
I wanted to take the time to thank these kind bloggers for the nice things they have said about the book:
 “Melvin and the Boy” is a lovely little book. Both text and illustration work in concert with each other to create a fun, cohesive whole. The text is simple and straightforward with playful artwork filling in the holes. Children will love the images of other pets and parents will appreciate the book’s message. And a two-page section at the end featuring turtle facts is a fun and somewhat unexpected addition.  ~ Cracking The Cover
The Boy of the story is delightfully sweet and appealing, his words expressed simply and honestly. Castillo's text and illustrative style are equally praiseworthy.  ~ Storied Cities
Melvin and the Boy revisits the familiar theme of the child who wants a pet, but successfully finds the sweet and sentimental tone missing from most picture books on that topic.  The illustrations are beautiful and have a timeless feeling about them.  At the end of the story there is a series of facts about turtles to share with the young readers. Melvin and the Boy will remind you of the classics.  ~ A Picture Book A Day
 Every picture is beautiful and charming, with fabulous contrast between bright and subdued colors. There is so much to look at on every page that the squirmiest toddler is sure to focus, and yet Castillo manages not to go too far in the other direction and make the illustrations too busy, they are just wonderfully nuanced. ~ Devourer of Books
 In my opinion [Lauren] hit a home-run with Melvin and the Boy.  The illustrations do a beautiful job of walking with the text though the story.  Nothing about this book is flashy.  It has the look and feel of a classic.    ~ Sharpread
 Thank you again. The amount of praise Melvin has received is truly overwhelming.
xo~Lauren