We've got two reviews!

So far, Monster Avengers has two reviews. Both are good! Here's an extract from the longest one:

I'm a fan of Rosen's Smelly Trolls series, so I already knew that she could write an entertaining children's story. However this book is a little different in that she crowd-wrote the story with 300 children. A mammoth task of organisation and patience I'm sure, but how did the actual story turn out?

The story is a lot more coherent than I expected while still retaining the imagination from the children involved. There's a wonderful mix of characters, there's the hero of the story who is a young boy who's not had a good time of things. There's a superhero toddler and best of all are the villains - man eating ducks with vicious spikes!

There's an interesting blend of the fantastical and more mundane concerns and again some fun and imaginative ideas for tackling them. It's well paced and with the range of characters there's some good opportunities for funny voices if you're reading the story out loud.

Mention should also be made of the illustrations sprinkled liberally throughout the book. These are full of charm and also highlight the creations of the children involved. Overall this is a fun story for kids of all ages (even 41 year old ones like me!) and any story that features man eating ducks deserves to be read.

Many thanks to Michael for taking the time to write about our book. 

Our Proof Copy Has Arrived

Something very exciting just happened. This morning, I received a notice from our printer saying that our proof copy of Monster Avengers had been printed. I assumed that meant it would arrive next week.

Then I heard a knock at the door. It was a delivery man with a large, flat package.

I opened it up, and to my delight, it was our proof copy.

Here are some pictures of our book:

Opening the package.

The book, in all its glory.

Monster Avengers next to troll books, to give you an idea of size.

Two pages from the inside.

The back of the book.

Unfortunately, the text is a little close to the margin, so I'll have to make adjustments to the files before we can sell copies, but that is why authors and publishers get proof copies.

This book is going to be incredible.

Monster Avengers eBook out this week

The eBook version of Monster Avengers will be launched this week. The paperback version will be available to order soon after.

You will be able to read the eBook on most mobile phones, tablets, Kindles, laptops or desktop computers.

Watch this space for details on how to buy.

Exciting News - Monster Avengers has been sent to our editor

Today I finished the third draft of Monster Avengers. I've sent it to Olivia, our editor, for a proof read.

Olivia will look for mistakes and highlight them. Then she'll send the file back to me and I'll look through her suggestions and write the final draft.

Once the final draft of the text is ready, I will start fitting the words and pictures together, ready to send to the printer.

Exciting times!

Monster Avengers Merchandise

St Edward's school have been busy creating wonderful merchandise for Monster Avengers.

 Above: a monster bookmark which opens up to save a page.

 Above: Toby the Turbo Toddler 'Action Figure' in special presentation box. Complete with helicopter hair and hand-knitted red pants. Sheer brilliance from Charlotte and Megan.

The Cover for Monster Avengers Has Been Chosen!

Katie W. Stewart and I have been working together to turn your cover ideas into reality.

Here are the first drafts of our front and back covers. We used Chloe's basic idea and brought in illustrations from other children.

What do you think?

More Cover Designs Have Arrived

Yet more Monster Avengers covers have arrived in my inbox. Here are a few of my favourites from St Edward's School:

I enjoyed the acrostic on this cover. It's also bright and cheery.

This cover is very engaging.

I love the bright colours in this one.

I like the way this illustrator has stuck bits on the add colour.