Charise Mericle Harper's Blog, page 2
January 6, 2012
Do you already know about this?
Probably, I'm not on the cutting edge of technology.
It's a site for visual scrapbooks - right up my alley.
Here is the link to my little piece of Pinterest. I'm new to the whole thing, so if you have any tips, please do share. Plus I'd love any suggestions of who to follow.
Charise's Pinterest Page
Probably, I'm not on the cutting edge of technology. It's a site for visual scrapbooks - right up my alley.
Here is the link to my little piece of Pinterest. I'm new to the whole thing, so if you have any tips, please do share. Plus I'd love any suggestions of who to follow.
Charise's Pinterest Page
January 5, 2012
HENRY'S HEART - LOVE AND OTHER STUFF
I've been busy over the last couple of months, so the posting thing has not been easy - to be honest I've let it slip. So, I'm going to catch up this month, with a few things I should have talked about last month. It's not old news, it's good news, so I think it's worthwhile.
First up Henry's Heart!
This is my newest book, and I'm really excited about it because . . . I worked on it with an entire elementary school. I went to the school once a week for three months, and spent time with each and every student in the school - all 300+ of them. It was an amazing opportunity for me, and if you want to read more about it here are some links to press articles about the experience.
Article One: The Loop
Still want to know more?
Article Two: LoHud
I'm a lucky author. I truly love all the publishers I work with, and here's an example of why. When I asked Christy Ottaviano - my publisher at Holt if I could put every child's name on the dedication page she said, "OK, Let's do it!"
This was my surprise for the kids. They were dedicated, helpful, engaged and creative, and they stuck with me for three whole months. Every Monday they had to stop what they were doing, line up, visit with me, line up again, and then go back to their classrooms to continue their studies. Transitions like this are not easy - I know, I have a seven year old. On top of that they waited for almost TWO years to hold the published book in their hands. That's a long time in dog years - and I suspect it feels even longer in kid years.
I wanted them to have ownership of the book, and to know that no matter where they saw it - New York, Chicago, or Seattle their name was always going to be there, right on the first page.
Here's a shot of the dedication page.
I could go on and on about the contributions the kids made to this book, here are just a few.
It's hard to know what to say in conclusion. The entire experience was overwhelming, wonderful, surprising, taxing, and rewarding beyond words. Perhaps an image says it best.
First up Henry's Heart!
This is my newest book, and I'm really excited about it because . . . I worked on it with an entire elementary school. I went to the school once a week for three months, and spent time with each and every student in the school - all 300+ of them. It was an amazing opportunity for me, and if you want to read more about it here are some links to press articles about the experience.Article One: The Loop
Still want to know more?
Article Two: LoHud
I'm a lucky author. I truly love all the publishers I work with, and here's an example of why. When I asked Christy Ottaviano - my publisher at Holt if I could put every child's name on the dedication page she said, "OK, Let's do it!"
This was my surprise for the kids. They were dedicated, helpful, engaged and creative, and they stuck with me for three whole months. Every Monday they had to stop what they were doing, line up, visit with me, line up again, and then go back to their classrooms to continue their studies. Transitions like this are not easy - I know, I have a seven year old. On top of that they waited for almost TWO years to hold the published book in their hands. That's a long time in dog years - and I suspect it feels even longer in kid years.
I wanted them to have ownership of the book, and to know that no matter where they saw it - New York, Chicago, or Seattle their name was always going to be there, right on the first page.
Here's a shot of the dedication page.
I could go on and on about the contributions the kids made to this book, here are just a few.
It's hard to know what to say in conclusion. The entire experience was overwhelming, wonderful, surprising, taxing, and rewarding beyond words. Perhaps an image says it best.
January 3, 2012
ARNIE THE DOUGHNUT
Do you know this book?
It has always been one of my favorites. It's funny, smart, and unexpected in so many good ways. I love Arnie!
And even before I knew her, I loved Laurie Keller.
I was a fan!
A few years ago we were introduced. I was nervous to meet her, but right away we hit it off, and we have been super friends ever since. So now I know a famous author - YAY! Lucky me!
Recently Laurie had a birthday, and I got excited - I always like a reason to put my crafty hands to work. I thought about Laurie, and said to myself, "What can I make her that no one else is going to give her?"
Answer?
An Arnie Doll with interchangeable eyes!
At first I was worried that she might already have one, but she assured me that no, mine was the first.
Here's a closer look. Arnie has his Happy eyes on.
Here is Arnie's little bag of eyes.
Now for some other Arnie looks.
Arnie lives on Laurie's shelf. He's got a new friend. What do you think?
It has always been one of my favorites. It's funny, smart, and unexpected in so many good ways. I love Arnie!
And even before I knew her, I loved Laurie Keller.
I was a fan!
A few years ago we were introduced. I was nervous to meet her, but right away we hit it off, and we have been super friends ever since. So now I know a famous author - YAY! Lucky me!
Recently Laurie had a birthday, and I got excited - I always like a reason to put my crafty hands to work. I thought about Laurie, and said to myself, "What can I make her that no one else is going to give her?"
Answer?
An Arnie Doll with interchangeable eyes!
At first I was worried that she might already have one, but she assured me that no, mine was the first.
Here's a closer look. Arnie has his Happy eyes on.
Here is Arnie's little bag of eyes.
Now for some other Arnie looks.
Arnie lives on Laurie's shelf. He's got a new friend. What do you think?
January 1, 2012
HAPPY 2012!
From My House To Yours!
October 7, 2011
MONSTER LOVE
This cute little monster could be yours!
It's easy to win him and fun too! In celebration of my new book, The Power Of Cute, I'm holding a contest. I'm super excited about the book, so I just had to do something special. Plus, the truth is, I'm a sucker for a cute little character. I personally sewed (by hand!) all these fun little monsters. Sure it took a while, but it was oddly satisfying, and now here they are, just waiting to be held and played with.
Here are the contest details.
1. Send me a SASE and I will send you my handmade (by me) Power of Cute Kit.
2. Use the stickers (not permanent) to make your own cute character. Take a photo.Here are two examples.
3. Post the photo on the Power of Cute facebook page. Here's the link.Power Of Cute - facebookAnd that's it. Fun and easy!
A winner will be randomly chosen on November 16th.I have a limited number of kits, so only one per person please.If I run out I'll post that information on the facebook page, so check it before you send me your SASE.
Here is the address for your SASE.Charise HarperP.O. Box 839Mamaroneck, NY100543
I can't wait to see what you come up with.Oh, and this book? It comes out next week.
Good Luck!Charise
It's easy to win him and fun too! In celebration of my new book, The Power Of Cute, I'm holding a contest. I'm super excited about the book, so I just had to do something special. Plus, the truth is, I'm a sucker for a cute little character. I personally sewed (by hand!) all these fun little monsters. Sure it took a while, but it was oddly satisfying, and now here they are, just waiting to be held and played with.Here are the contest details.
1. Send me a SASE and I will send you my handmade (by me) Power of Cute Kit.
2. Use the stickers (not permanent) to make your own cute character. Take a photo.Here are two examples.
3. Post the photo on the Power of Cute facebook page. Here's the link.Power Of Cute - facebookAnd that's it. Fun and easy!
A winner will be randomly chosen on November 16th.I have a limited number of kits, so only one per person please.If I run out I'll post that information on the facebook page, so check it before you send me your SASE.
Here is the address for your SASE.Charise HarperP.O. Box 839Mamaroneck, NY100543
I can't wait to see what you come up with.Oh, and this book? It comes out next week.
Good Luck!Charise
October 3, 2011
A SUITCASE STORY
Once upon a time there was a little suitcase. He was worn, at one time loved, but now abandoned. Somehow, one day he found himself on the doorstep of an unusual, but kind family's house. He knew they were unusual because the cat, sitting on the bright red bench by the back door, told him so. She said a lot of other things too, but he stopped listening, because he was not so interested in tales of squirrels and mice.
As expected of kind strangers, the little suitcase was invited inside.
He was carefully inspected, then placed on a table and left to ponder his own little suitcase thoughts.
Even though the suitcase was a relatively creative and free thinking suitcase, he could never have imagined what was about to happen next. In the middle of the night he was picked up and carried away to a secret studio. Early the next morning, before the sun rose, he was carefully placed back on the table in the exact same position as the night before. He looked untouched, but inside he was not at all the same.
Sometimes outsides do not reflect insides. While on the outside the suitcase looked sad and worn, on the inside he felt special, new, excited and full of surprises, and indeed he was - full of surprises!
He was filled with The Power Of Cute
To be continued . . .
As expected of kind strangers, the little suitcase was invited inside.
He was carefully inspected, then placed on a table and left to ponder his own little suitcase thoughts.
Even though the suitcase was a relatively creative and free thinking suitcase, he could never have imagined what was about to happen next. In the middle of the night he was picked up and carried away to a secret studio. Early the next morning, before the sun rose, he was carefully placed back on the table in the exact same position as the night before. He looked untouched, but inside he was not at all the same. 
Sometimes outsides do not reflect insides. While on the outside the suitcase looked sad and worn, on the inside he felt special, new, excited and full of surprises, and indeed he was - full of surprises!
He was filled with The Power Of CuteTo be continued . . .
September 23, 2011
BOOK WEEKEND
I don't know what you'll be doing this weekend, but here's what I will be doing.
As always, I'll have some fun things to hand out! I love hearing creative people talk about what inspires them, and how they get the job done. At home in my studio it's only me, so it's fun to to meet others who do what I do. I always come away completely impressed and energized. Do stop by if you get the chance.
SATURDAY 12pmBooks Of Wonder (New York City)This is a great bookstore and it's in a great location - lots to look at, and lots of things to eat. Check out the link to see the other authors who will be participating.Here it is.Books Of Wonder
SUNDAY12pmSunnyside (Washington Irving's House on the Hudson)Even if you don't want to see me you should come. There are over 60 other authors and illustrators to choose from. I can't wait to meet them too!Here is the link to the event.Sunnyside
Here's a little photo for you from my house!Best,
Charise
As always, I'll have some fun things to hand out! I love hearing creative people talk about what inspires them, and how they get the job done. At home in my studio it's only me, so it's fun to to meet others who do what I do. I always come away completely impressed and energized. Do stop by if you get the chance.
SATURDAY 12pmBooks Of Wonder (New York City)This is a great bookstore and it's in a great location - lots to look at, and lots of things to eat. Check out the link to see the other authors who will be participating.Here it is.Books Of Wonder
SUNDAY12pmSunnyside (Washington Irving's House on the Hudson)Even if you don't want to see me you should come. There are over 60 other authors and illustrators to choose from. I can't wait to meet them too!Here is the link to the event.Sunnyside
Here's a little photo for you from my house!Best,
Charise
September 12, 2011
FASHION KITTY PROJECT
This is a busy fall.
I have three new books coming out in the next 2 months (Yikes!)
Next up is Fashion Kitty And The B.O.Y.S. (Oct. 4th)
I'm so excited to finally have another Fashion Kitty Book out in the world.
Here's a look at the cover.
I thought I would do a fun little project to go along with the book.
Without giving away too much of the story, I will say that marshmallows, and specifically marshmallow sculptures, play an important part in this latest Fashion Kitty tale.
I got together some girls, a few supplies, and in honor of the book we tried our hand at some marshmallow art.
Here is a very short movie about what we made.
In celebration of this new book I am offering some free pdf's, so that you can make your own Fashion Kitty notebook like this.
Here is a view of the inside pages. If you copy the template on both sides of your paper the interior of your book will look like this.
Here are some samples of what you can draw. Use the faint pink outline as a guide and draw your own version of Fashion Kitty.
Here is the link to the free pdf's.Link to the free pdf'slHAVE FUN!If you would like to post your pictures or drawings of Fashion Kitty join me on the new Fashion Kitty facebook page.
Fashion Kitty Facebook
I have three new books coming out in the next 2 months (Yikes!)
Next up is Fashion Kitty And The B.O.Y.S. (Oct. 4th)
I'm so excited to finally have another Fashion Kitty Book out in the world.
Here's a look at the cover.
I thought I would do a fun little project to go along with the book.Without giving away too much of the story, I will say that marshmallows, and specifically marshmallow sculptures, play an important part in this latest Fashion Kitty tale.
I got together some girls, a few supplies, and in honor of the book we tried our hand at some marshmallow art.
Here is a very short movie about what we made.
In celebration of this new book I am offering some free pdf's, so that you can make your own Fashion Kitty notebook like this.
Here is a view of the inside pages. If you copy the template on both sides of your paper the interior of your book will look like this.
Here are some samples of what you can draw. Use the faint pink outline as a guide and draw your own version of Fashion Kitty.
Here is the link to the free pdf's.Link to the free pdf'slHAVE FUN!If you would like to post your pictures or drawings of Fashion Kitty join me on the new Fashion Kitty facebook page.Fashion Kitty Facebook
September 1, 2011
STUFFY CUPCAKE
I dedicated my book Cupcake to my nephew.
When I gave him the book I also made him a stuffed cupcake friend to go with it.
He named this little guy Stuffy Cupcake.
Now you can make your own very easy version of stuffy cupcake. It's a great kid's activity and would be perfect for a birthday party craft. Watch the movie below for the easy tutorial and then print out the free template.
Here is the link to the downloadable free pdf.
CUPCAKE TEMPLATE IS ON THIS PAGE
HAVE FUN!
[image error]
When I gave him the book I also made him a stuffed cupcake friend to go with it.
He named this little guy Stuffy Cupcake.
Now you can make your own very easy version of stuffy cupcake. It's a great kid's activity and would be perfect for a birthday party craft. Watch the movie below for the easy tutorial and then print out the free template.
Here is the link to the downloadable free pdf.
CUPCAKE TEMPLATE IS ON THIS PAGE
HAVE FUN!
[image error]
August 31, 2011
BEHIND THE WAFFLE
I know that as mom of the boy, I find many of the things the boy does charming and cute.
I know that I must resist telling other about this cuteness ... or they will roll their eyes the minute they think I'm not looking.
I know that I should not post pictures of this cuteness on my blog.
BUT . . .
The boy fixing the cover for our friend waffle.
Does anyone recognize this blanket?
It's his favorite, and the one they gave him at the hospital when he was born.
Man! I'm such a mom - getting all teary-eyed as I type this.
I know that I must resist telling other about this cuteness ... or they will roll their eyes the minute they think I'm not looking.
I know that I should not post pictures of this cuteness on my blog.
BUT . . .
The boy fixing the cover for our friend waffle.
Does anyone recognize this blanket?
It's his favorite, and the one they gave him at the hospital when he was born.
Man! I'm such a mom - getting all teary-eyed as I type this.
