KIDLIT CRITTERPALOOZA!

 Critter lunching w/ Calgary Blueboarders

First off, I have to say what an honor it's been to host CRITTER here in my home in Calgary, Alberta, and on The Bookshelf Muse. CRITTER, for those of you just tuning in, is the art creation of Ian Sands and belongs to Christy Evers, who has sent him all over the world to visit KIDLIT writer/bloggers.

Critter's been on a road trip now for over 14 months, collecting the names of his hosts along the way, and will soon return to Christy's home in Morrisville, NC to be auctioned off as author memorabilia, with the proceeds going to St. Jude's.

As a MASCOT for the KIDLIT world, Critter has enjoyed the hospitality of our writing community, promoting creativity and raising awareness for St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.

Robert Bateman signs Critter, too!

 You might have seen him at the LA SCBWI conference, crowd surfing at a rock concert, heading off to college, hanging out at Bluebeard's castle, being interviewed by the Texas Sweethearts, visiting the Gyeongbokgung Palace, or even meeting world renowned artist Robert Bateman. It's been quite the ride, and now Critter's ready to celebrate!

As his last stop here in Canada, it's up to me to send him off in style. And so, after we bought some new toques, ate some poutine and went moose-watching, we decided the best way to go out with a bang was by hosting a 

TITANIC  

 KIDLIT CRITTERPALOOZA  

 GIVEAWAY!

Critter's rubbed shoulders with both Famous and soon-to-be Famous personalities in this industry, and he's seen first hand how generous writers are. Take a look at these INCREDIBLE prizes you could win from some of his past hosts!

Melissa Higgins—a Writer’s Kit (chocolate, journal, gift card & 8X10 photo of Critter)

PJ Hoover—a Forgotten Worlds set & a ten page critique

Beth Revis—a query critique

Tina Ferraro—a copy of Top Ten Uses for an Unworn Prom Dress, How to Hook a Hottie, and The ABC's of Kissing Boys (all signed).

Cynthia Willis—a copy of Dog Gone (paperback) & Buck Fever (hardcover) (signed & personalized)

Bish Denham—a beautiful hand-made tatted dolphin bookmark

Nandini Bajpai--a copy of Neil Gaiman's The Graveyard Book (signed)

Jacqui Robbins--a copy of Two of a Kind (signed)

Christina Farley--a Chocolate Fun Pack (decadent chocolates & hot chocolates, copy of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) + a 10 page critique

Rena Jones—a copy of A new Job for Dilly (signed)

Kelly Polark—Poetry Pack (Poetrees by Douglas Florian & Stampede: Poems to Celebrate the Wild Side of School + signed bookplate)

Jill S Alexander—copy of Sweetheart (hardcover)
Angela Ackerman & Becca Puglisi—an Art Compilations Book by Robert Bateman (signed), a $15 Starbucks Gift Card a & 1st chapter critique (Becca)

Christy Evers—a $50 Amazon Gift Card

Ellen Oh--a Korean Gift Box ( YA book + treats with a Korean flair!)

Ian Sands—your very own CRITTER and a Critter-interactive-art-book (signed).

And then, if this isn't enough, there's also a Career-Boosting GRAND PRIZE: a PERSONAL, 45 MINUTE SKYPE or IM CHAT with authors Beth Revis (YA, Across the Universe), PJ Hoover (MG Forgotten Worlds Trilogy) & Jacqui Robbins (PB, The New Girl and Me, Two of a Kind) where the winner can collectively pick the brains of these pros about writing, publishing and the current marketplace, learning valuable information to help them succeed.

Does this BLOW YOUR MIND, or what? 
~~~

HOW TO WIN ONE OF THESE 17 SPECTACULAR PRIZES:

--Check out some of Critter's past hosts using the links above (each will take you to one or more critter posts). If you'd like to go in order, you can find each stop here in Christy's sidebar.

--Make note of 3 things Critter did with 3 different hosts.

--Fill OUT THIS FORM.

--Pass on the word about KIDLIT CRITTERPALOOZA (TWEETS, BLOG POSTS, ETC) We want the world to know about Critter and his mission to help St. Jude.

Yep, it's that easy. :)

One of Critter's passions is the St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital. If you would like to donate a few dollars to this worthy charity, you can by clicking on the St Jude's button to the right. Every dollar is appreciated and helps to save the lives of children, and all of us involved in CRITTERPALOOZA really appreciate the support!

Contest runs until Sunday afternoon, November 28th. Winners will be announced on Monday, November 29th.