Meet Little Chimp!!

When I first started writing, I wrote chapter books and picture books. I especially loved picture books. I loved the challenge of telling a story in as few words as possible. Interestingly enough, I still do that in my YA verse novels.

I had one story I especially loved that came about when I was brainstorming ideas and this line popped into my head: In a jungle, in a tree sits a little chimpanzee. And so, a book called LITTLE CHIMP'S BIG DAY was born. That is still the first line of the book today!

I came close with an editor at one house, who helped me revise the story not once, but twice. In the end, she didn't end up buying it. As you can imagine, I was devastated. But, I had a much stronger book, and so, I sent it out to a few more editors (this was all before I had an agent), including my new editor at Sterling, who had replaced the editor I worked with on BABY CAN'T SLEEP.

She loved it. They ended up making an offer, but said they were thinking about starting a series of easy readers, and would I be okay with the book in that format. After thinking about it, I said yes. But then, time went by, they searched far and wide for an illustrator, and when they finally found the one they wanted, it was decided by all parties that the book would best be served as a picture book. I was thrilled!

Years have went by since I sold that manuscript. I thought it was five years ago, but I just checked and it was actually only about three and a half. Still, awhile ago. It's good to be able to finally say LITTLE CHIMP will be coming out this fall, October 2010. And here is the cover, for your viewing pleasure!!

Lisa McCue has done an AMAZING job bringing the jungle where Little Chimp lives to life. I am so happy with how it turned out, and can't wait for parents to read it to their kids come fall.

What do you think??

~Lisa, Miss Crafting a Career