[Jaina Posts: 2,857 Status: Offline Just keep typing, just keep typing . . .]

I saw this ad on our local Craigslist today and thought of you, somehow . . .

http://wilmington.craigslist.org/wan/2597557977.html

[Donna J. Shepherd Posts: 1,074 Status: Offline Ava's Secret Tea Party WWW]

Now isn't this exactly why we write picture books? How sweet!

I'm going to copy the quote from Craigslist since it will probably be taken down once the book is found:

Book: The Grumpus Under the Rug
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Date: 2011-09-13, 10:14PM EDT
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I would love to find this book, it was always my favorite as a child:
The Grumpus Under the Rug by Ellen Jackson
Condition doesn't matter!

[Ree Posts: 339 Status: Offline No Boxes WWW]

That warms my heart!

Susan

[Tammi Posts: 1,342 Status: Offline WWW]

Aw!

   Love this. 

[JennaWren Posts: 1,779 Status: Offline WWW]

 

[Betsy Posts: 2,123 Status: Offline PICKY EATERS WWW]

Thanks, Jaina.  I really appreciate you noticing that.

The continued popularity of this book mystifies me.  I've got a collection of letters from people asking me if I know where they can get a copy (it just went out of print).  One man wanted to give THE GRUMPUS to his fiancee as a wedding present!  I'm both touched and puzzled.   This book really struck a chord (more so than some of my other books).

[AmyD Posts: 148 Status: Offline WWW]

Awesome!

Haven't read it before, but the title alone makes me want to. I just requested it from our library, can't wait to check it out!

[olmue Posts: 3,582 Status: Offline WWW]

That is awesome, Betsy!

[217mom Posts: 1,242 Status: Offline "Keep the child in view"- Charles Dickens WWW]

Oh, WOW !

[Sheri D. Posts: 82 Status: Offline]

 

Love it! 

[Vijaya Posts: 7,337 Status: Offline Encourage WWW]

Well, I just had to go check it out on Amazon and the reviews are great! Ellen, you must really tap into that universal desire for getting away with naughtiness ...
I remember a book of naughty kids by Enid Blyton and I ate up all the stories. I love it when kids/animal characters can be truly who they are without getting a lecture about being a good child or the "moral of the story is ..."

Vijaya

[Betsy Posts: 2,123 Status: Offline PICKY EATERS WWW]

Thanks, Vijaya.

I have another naughty child ms. that no one is interested in because the current idea is that parents and grandparents will read it to the child and they won't approve.  At least, that's what one editor said.

[Pam Posts: 1,298 Status: Offline Brianna Bright, Ballerina Knight, 6-5-18 WWW]

Sadly, any negativity in a picture book these days gets horrendous reviews by parents.

I LOVED that Craigslist snippet! Warms my heart. 

[Mindy Alyse Weiss Posts: 3,618 Status: Offline A long journey - but I'm determined to get there!]

 

I have another naughty child ms. that no one is interested in because the current idea is that parents and grandparents will read it to the child and they won't approve.  At least, that's what one editor said.

I've heard that kids can be unforgiving of mean/naughty characters when they're human, but don't seem to have a problem if there's a mean animal character.  I wonder if the same thing goes for parents and grandparents.  It can't hurt to see if you can turn your characters into animals and test it out. 

[wolfie712 Posts: 236 Status: Offline Teacher, Writer, Up-All-Nighter WWW]

Awww, that Cragslist ad is SO sweet!  I love how people are touched by children's books! 

[JulieM Posts: 943 Status: Offline WWW]

That's worthy of framing. :  )

[pilonsc Posts: 106 Status: Offline Dream Big! WWW]

Reading that ad gave me tingles everywhere. Ever sweet.

 I think it's amazing the way people on this board touch people with their writing. 

[Tina Cho Posts: 72 Status: Offline WWW]

How sweet! Were you able to connect with the person wanting a copy?
~Tina

[Jaina Posts: 2,857 Status: Offline Just keep typing, just keep typing . . .]

It sounds like I should start Secondhand Grumpus, a specialty shop!

[Betsy Posts: 2,123 Status: Offline PICKY EATERS WWW]

Here's a better idea, Jaina.  We can go into business together selling the paperback versions of this book--I have a whole box of them. 

http://www.amazon.com/Autumn-Equinox-Celebrating-Ellen-Jackson/dp/0761319840/ref=tmm_pap_title_popover?ie=UTF8&qid=1316198357&sr=1-16

 

[217mom Posts: 1,242 Status: Offline "Keep the child in view"- Charles Dickens WWW]

Oh, Ellen, I knew you were rich. I just didn't know how!

This reminded me of my days in the antique and collectable business, when dealers used language like "it is worth $X." I'd have to remind myself that a real price is not a worth, and a real price is what someone will pay.

[Betsy Posts: 2,123 Status: Offline PICKY EATERS WWW]

Does this mean you wouldn't pay $1500 for a paperback edition of THE AUTUMN EQUINOX???

I'm offended.

[217mom Posts: 1,242 Status: Offline "Keep the child in view"- Charles Dickens WWW]

Would you take a little less? As a former textile dealer I just have to try...