by Chrysa Smith

Kids always ask me how long it takes to make a book. When I tell them it can be 9 months to 1 year from first draft to finished copy, they all murmur and sigh -- maybe a wow or two.

It's a long process. From rough draft to editor back to 2nd draft, to editor, back to 3rd draft and to editor can all take awhile. In the meantime, my illustrator is busy dreaming up the illustrations that will fit the story, starts sketching, sends them back for approval and it all begins again with the next one. With children's books it's a long process as well. There can be between one to almost two dozen illustrations.

To get a good sense of how long an illustration might take, I always refer people to the subway scene in The Upside-Down Gardener. I marvel at the detail. Each flower petal, leaf, person detailed in pencil sketch, then paints. And of course, this is just one spread in a 32 page book.

So what's in the hopper right now?

Yep, Dory (of Upside-Down Gardener fame) is at it once again. This time, she strikes some fun into a less than exciting birthday party. When her aunt sets up a dance party for her cousin Izzy's birthday, the kids line up against the wall like toy soldiers. Not a kid among them is too happy to be there. But once Dory gets Izzy to open her gifts and finds a pinata, out come the utensils and paper plates, and we're using pinata toys as microphones, balls and everything else one would need to play a proper game of ball. Izzy has never even swung a bat, but Dory has her swinging for the stars, and to everyone's surprise, Izzy rounds home. The excitement is palpable, and the kids are so jazzed, dancing doesn't even sound like such a bad idea. A little imagination and some inspiration come together in this fun tale that's due out in time to make the rounds in elementary schools this upcoming fall semester.

To see more about Dory, the poodle posse and more, log onto www.wellbredbook.net.