In fall of 2012, two electronic versions of Hababy’s Christmas Eve: An illustrated holiday story were created. The first, a standard fixed layout eBook and the second an enhanced version for iBooks including a full audio recording for a read-to-me option when viewing the book. Yes, read by author Jamie Farr, who best known for portraying Klinger on the hit television show M*A*S*H. His reading is of course wonderfully expressive and is accompanied by original music by Tim Clott.

We worked with eBook partnership for file conversion and distribution and their expertise was invaluable! Adjusting layout, page sizing and creating a base file was handled on our end, as well as preparing the audio track with page breaks. Knowing exactly what was needed, that is the trick, and having a knowledgable partner in that process made for a positive experience.

Purchase the electronic formats by following the links below:

Apple Products (with audio) $6.99  •  Kindle $4.99  •  Kobo $4.99

Hababy’s Christmas Eve second printing is available to order from Jamie Farr’s site, amazon and select bookshops. The new printing is 7″ x 8.5″ size, full-color, softbound book.

Hababy’s Christmas Eve was written by Jamie & Joy Farr and was my first published full-color children’s book. Originally published in 2003, it was reissued in 2010.

I’m often asked how the opportunity to illustrate this book came about. It was my pleasure to assist in hosting Jamie Farr when he was touring in promotion of his autobiography, Just Farr Fun. I was living in Raleigh at the time, working as the Community Relations/Events Coordinator for Barnes & Noble Booksellers. Jamie’s schedule had him staying in Raleigh overnight, so I played host outside of the scheduled signing. It was during this time that I discovered how challenging it is to be a celebrity. It was near impossible to eat out without meals being constantly interrupted. I have to say he was courteous to all, even as his meals got cold. It was wonderful to find that celebrity as Jamie is, he was really great to hang out with and easy to talk to. Throughout the day he asked about what my future dreams were and discovered that I loved to illustrate. A few months later, he called me at work to ask if I would be interested in illustrating a children’s book he and his wife had written. How cool is that!

For the second printing we changed the size of the book and I edited some of the page layout and updated a little bit of the art to fit the new size and page count.

For more on Jamie Farr, visit his website.

Here in Asheville the book is available from Spellbound Children’s Bookshop and will soon be available at many other locations.

The book is published by Back of a Mouse Books, a division of Blue Throat Publishing.

Some pages from the book are shown below.

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Yeah, I love creating posters for the Blue Ridge Rollergirls (BRRG)!

This time, a double header with the theme “Sibling Rivalry.”

When Drag’n SlayHer told me the theme I immediately pictured two young girls being, well, as sisters can be, bratty. Perfect for my children’s book illustration style.

So, some time at the drawing table, some coloring on the computer, some fun with type and a poster came to life. Well, actually two – one tabloid size and one letter size (shown).

Want to know more about BRRG? Visit them online at www.blueridgerollergirls.com and come out to the bout on April 24th. I recommend picking up your tickets early, saves you some $ and time in line, giving more time for cheering.

And for you fans out there, who do you think was the inspiration for the young BRRG?