So I’m working my way through my pile of mail, and here’s this LOVELY letter from RyAnn in Louisville, Kentucky, and I’m eager to reply, but there’s a problem–RyAnn forgot to include a return address.

Oh dear, it’s always so distressing when this happens!  I hate knowing that there’s a disappointed reader out there, thinking I’m a total twerp for not answering their letter, and the fact is I CAN’T because I don’t know where to send it!

So please please please make sure to include a return address with your letters (and make sure it’s crystal clear), OK?  Otherwise your letter goes in the “Sad” file.  As in “Sad Author,” that is…

I’ve been tackling my stack of mail this week, and oh my goodness have I unearthed some treasures!  You are all just too sweet to send me such beautiful, creative artwork.

Here’s a fun picture from Marissa and Eunice:

And look at these gorgeous character sketches by their friend Angie!

Cool, huh?

Thank you, my dear readers!  I’m honored and delighted — and I love hearing from ALL of you, whether you send artwork or not!

ALEXANDRA, who loves Cinderella, and BRENNA, who loves Snow White!  Congratulations to you both — I’ve sent emails with details on how to claim your prize.

What a great turnout for this contest!  You guys are AMAZING — I had nearly 80 entries, with many of you blogging, tweeting, and telling friends to help get the word out.  Fantastic!  I ♥ you all!

There were so many entries I almost needed a bigger hat!

Oh, and a number of you guessed the catchphrase — it was “And now for something completely different,” from the old TV show Monty Python’s Flying Circus.

Picking the winners was so exhausting that Billie and Bonnie had to take naps

Hey, I have good news!  The pub date for ONCE UPON A TOAD has been pushed up to April 10th!  That means you can get your hands on it a week earlier than originally scheduled, how cool is that?!

Stay tuned for more fun stuff and hoopla as publication day draws closer.  Meanwhile, I’m off to answer (finally) my mountain of mail…