I LOVE Blogs!

January is almost over.  This month marks the third anniversary of Baltic's rescue and one year since the publication of my first picture book based on his amazing adventure.  It's been a great ride! 

Earlier this month the blog The Classroom Bookshelf posted a really neat review of my book, offering ideas and resources for teachers and educators.  Check it out:

The Classroom Bookshelf: Little Dog Lost: The True Story of a Brave Dog Nam...: Written and Illustrated by Monica Carnesi Published by Nancy Paulsen Books in 2012 ISBN 978-0-399-25666-0 Book Review...

I simply LOVE blogs.  I started blogging in 2007 in order to participate in Illustration Friday, one of the best decisions I've made.  Through the blog I made new friends in the US and all over the world.  My blog was also instrumental in the launch of my career as a picture book author and illustrator.  Social media outlets have exploded and now there are so many different ways to maintain an online presence: Facebook, Google+, Twitter, Pinterest, etc.  All great, but I'm still partial to blogs :-)

The 2013 Children's Writer's & Illustrator's Market (a must read for any aspiring author and/or illustrator) includes a piece written by my agent, Teresa Kietlinski, where she talks about the importance of blogs for illustrators:

Really cool reading and very, very true. And while it's hard sometimes to keep blogging consistently, it is definitely worth the effort.  One of my goals this year is to post at least twice a month.

So share a recent picture book you like or a fun sketch, talk about a favorite illustrator or about your creative process.  Yay for blogs!