Last but certainly not least, I am so excited to announce the second runner-up in the OutBACK TO SCHOOL Contest::: Ava Thomas! The two things I love most about Ava's submission are that she found the wonder in a small, usually overlooked animal and how wonderfully she depicted the sounds the blue mountain tree frog [...]
Meet Henry Cillessen, a 5th grader who submitted a fantastic research project on the shingleback for the OutBACK TO SCHOOL Contest. In fact, it was so good, Henry is a runner-up! The shingleback is a remarkable animal! Henry does a great job explaining their main features. And I LOVE the attention to detail in his [...]
I am very proud and honored to announce the grand prize winner of the OutBACK TO SCHOOL contest::: Elise Jenkins! Elise, a 5th grader, chose a VERY interesting animal. The aspects she highlights are thoughtful and thorough. My favorite part is the story about the 'etymology,' which means the study of the origin of words. [...]
The very first online contest has begun! The grand prize winner will be featured in the next book, Wallaby Walkabout! Runner-ups will receive a book of their choice signed by the author and paw-printed by Hoss. Check out the Contests page to participate!
It has been a busy summer. First, I got married! Second, I moved into a new house. Oy! Third, I have continued to work my two jobs--industrial and academic. Fourth, I'm doing an independent study on Technology and War. GREAT stuff so far. Fifth, we have been living up the dog days of summer. Park [...]
It has been a while since I have had the time to post. Sorry for the season of silence >>> things got REALLY busy at work and school! A few weeks ago, Derek from Dallas, TX asked "How did you pick Hoss?" A GREAT question, especially for anyone thinking about the joy of responsibility of [...]
Piper from Ft. Worth, TX asked where Hoss has traveled. That's a great question! It depends on if you mean in real life or in the books. :) Let's break it down for each::: In real life, Hoss has lived in two different countries: the United States and the United Kingdom. He went with me [...]
The dogs have always had furs for beds. I got them all from the Isle of Skye in Scotland, a brown and white double sheep fur pet mat that Hoss has slept on for years, a large white fur that Buster snuggles in to, and a little brown fur for Six. Skyeskins has AMAZING products. [...]
Buster is a simple boy. Unlike Hoss, he doesn't devour or destroy in the space of a few minutes. Unlike Six Shooter, he doesn't outsmart the games and get bored. Give that boy a toy, and he's set for a long time (as long as he gets to be with you). A very common Buster [...]
Hoss' hatred for the camera flash continues.... It's his birthday. He just got gravy with dinner. He was invited up on the couch (which never happens)! And he's STILL mad because of that flash! Let's try to add some more positives. Mom singing happy birthday? Nope. Mom being silly and funny? Maybe a little, but [...]
