It's tweens gone wild in this 2nd installment of the book series. Find out who's crushing on who and what zany middle school antics happen in this sequel since last year's debut. Since I'm JUST the illustrator, I'm kind of in the dark about any market logistics, but I get inklings of buzz here and there. I have a few friends who are librarians and I've inquired about it at local Los Angeles libraries, and it seems like the first book is constantly being checked out—which is good! Also, I've had friends tell me that their tweener family members have fun with the series and even try to emulate the characters by talking and dressing like them. If anyone's seen the Mackenzie Blue wannabees on the YOUTUBE CONTEST, it's really flattering to see girls dress up in outfits that I designed. I've also scoured the interwebs and it's gotten some pretty positive reviews. Not as many as the first book, but hopefully there'll be more. I'd love to get some feedback about how publishing reviewers feel about the art style, since I'm a digital artist and most of childrens' publishing is geared towards fine art and traditional styles. As for the story, I've read through it and I think it's a pretty decent sequel. The story's actually fun and upbeat, and trendy, and even funny. And I'm not just saying that because I'm working on it. I'm in my 30's and I was pretty entertained. If you or your kid like stuff like High School Musical, this is definitely the book for you.

I'm especially pleased with the figure work on the cover for Secret Crush and the interior art was a fun challenge for me but I can't wait for the 3rd book to come out! It's called Mackenzie Blue: Friends Forever?  I'm working on it now and am about halfway done with the final drawings. I'm having a blast on this one because there's a lot more action in it, and a whole lot of BIG drama that happens which actually raises the stakes for a few of the characters. It comes out Summer 2010, and would be a great add to your kids' summer reading list!

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