A Happy New Year to all readers who have come across this post, either intentionally or otherwise.

I'd like to give notice that I will have a new picture book out in April and a new graphic novel out in July.

It's Great Being a Dad (illustrated by Gina Perry and published by Tundra Books) is a funny picture book story that celebrates imaginary play and invites Dads (and all adults) to join in on the fun. Characters involved in the tale are a unicorn, Big Foot, a robot, the Lock Ness Monster, and two hybrids I won't reveal here. Children will recognize the humorous take on their own obstacle- driven play narratives, and there's a wonderful ah-ha moment towards the end when they realize that all is not what it seems.

Dog Night at the Story Zoo (illustrated by Vicki Nerino and published by Tundra Books) is a very funny graphic novel aimed for middle-graders. The premise is that while humans sleep, the zoo animals, pets and free-roamers gather together to share stories with each other and this night is devoted to the dogs among them. There are four vignettes, including a "Valley-girl" poodle (oh-my-dog!), a bulldog in search of love that isn't skin deep, a stray with commitment issues, and a bloodhound in a Sherlock Holmes parody. And naturally the evening show is hosted by a penguin, the only one who owns a tux. I have literally squeezed as many jokes as I could into this manuscript (along with the sentimental bits that make even snakes sniff back a tear or two), so this is a great book for the middle-graders in your life who pride themselves on their highly developed sense of humour (or whatever you call it when they can't turn off their mouths).