If You're in Key West, You're in Luck...

On Friday, February 3, 2012, award-winning author Bonnie J. Doerr will be signing her most recent book, an eco-mystery about sea turtles, at the Key Deer Refuge Visitor Center on Big Pine Key, Florida. She'll also have some copies of her first book on the Key deer for those who haven't gotten a copy. Details below or click here for more news:

Artist Joanna Britt and Author Bonnie Doerr Go to Camp

Last week Leap Books artist Joanna Britt (pictured on left) took her art to summer camp. She and author Bonnie J. Doerr talked with campers about the process of writing and illustrating books. The audience was enthralled as they described how they collaborated on Island Sting.

The campers were writing and illustrating their own books, so they got a lot of helpful tips on how to do that. They also enjoyed seeing how Bonnie doe her research for her books on endangered animals. That's Bonnie pictured on the screen below as she gets into the habitats along with rescue workers who save these endangered species.

The visit wasn't all about work, though. Everyone enjoyed playing a game while they learned more facts about the endangered Florida Key deer that are the stars in Island Sting. Did you know that Key Deer are only found on a few islands in the Florida Keys? And one fun fact that surprised most of the campers was that Key deer are tiny. When they're full grown, they're only about the size of a German shepherd dog.

Now these eager campers can't wait to get a hold of the next books in the series: Stakeout (2011) and Pelican Peril (2012). For more information about these books and the endangered animals Bonnie has worked with and observed, check out her blog: Bonnie Blogs Green.

But the Contests Continue...

Our authors are finding their way around the globe. Watch for posts in Finland, the UK, Japan... More about those later.

Right now we're highlighting blogger Kate at READ THIS BOOK!, who's been featuring Island Sting this week. She's shared some excerpts and done interviews with the main characters--Kenzie and Angelo--so she has plenty of information that you won't find in the book. She's also posted a scene from Angelo's point of view. So even if you've already read the book, you won't have seen any of this. Check out these exclusives at:

http://readthisbook.wordpress.com/2010/01/16/island-sting-excerpt-and-contest/

But best of all, Kate's running a contest. Win a necklace! If you've read Island Sting, you'll know the meaning behind this special necklace. And if you haven't read it, now's your chance. Check out our online store and take advantage of the BLUE MOON special (see below) for a special price.