TALES FROM THE BAYOU: A Little Book Loving

I don't exactly remember what age I was when I began to read on my own...probably around 5 years old or so...but books have always held a special fascination for me. I started out with simple comic books like Charlie Brown and the Peanuts Gang. Even though I didn't know all the words, the illustrations filled in the gaps and flavored the story in just the right way to carry me along to the next one.

It was my drug of choice and my parents never had to wonder where I would be when I was out of their sight.  Follow the trail of books and there you would find me like a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

I read a lot of different genres but for a short time I thought I would grow up to own a thoroughbred horse ranch out west. I lived for the idea I would raise horses and as a child I had an extensive collection of toy horses of all shapes and breeds. One of the most thrilling moments of my childhood was when I won an essay contest at my hometown library and received a copy of Marguerite Henry's MISTY OF CHINCOTEAGUE as my prize.  Oh, how I loved that book. I read it so many times I could almost feel the ocean's spray in my own face as in my mind I raced with those wild Spanish horses whose hooves pounded the sand as they made Chincoteague Island their new home. That book burned an impression on my mind that stays with me still to this day.

Now, years later when I've returned to my writing, I have a wish and a prayer for some day to write such a story for some other child maybe yet to be. To write a tale to touch the heart of an innocent and set them on a life long path of book loving. 

Maybe my picture book, THE STORY CATCHER, will be such a story for someone. My publisher, Anaiah Press, is doing a cover reveal today on their blog (http://anaiahpress.wordpress.com/2014/10/24/cover-reveal-the-story-catcher-by-donna-l-martin/).

I'd been sworn to secrecy for the past few weeks but now I can share the cover with you. I think my illustrator, Alyson Peterson, did a lovely job of capturing little Addie and the rest of her family.

I'd love to know what you think so please leave a comment below...;~)

Blurb: 

Addie comes from a long line of readers, or "story catchers," as her family likes to call themselves. Every time Addie tries to catch a story on her own, though, the words play tricks on her. Addie tries everything she can think of to corral those wiggly letters, but it will take a little faith to become the next STORY CATCHER.

My book is scheduled for release January 20, 2015. Kids can sign up now to become a member of my STORY CATCHER FAN CLUB by clicking on the tab in the sidebar. New members will receive a welcome packet full of goodies including membership certificate, coloring pages, mazes, puzzles, a STORY CATCHER reading log, and a short story starring THEM! They will also receive newsletters throughout the year with the latest Story Catcher events details!