I've been hooked on this National Geographic show called "Locked Up Abroad". It chronicles people who one way or another got sucked into the life of smuggling drugs internationally, got caught, and served time in foreign prisons. After watching 3 seasons I've learned a few things about that process. Here for your benefit is a PSA which may save you some unnecessary trouble in case you are ever tempted.

For anyone who's interested I just started a Facebook Author Page called  Dan Krall Children's Books where I'll be posting all kinds of updates, behind the scenes looks, promotions and giveaways in the coming weeks and beyond. I've been working on some stuff I think is pretty exciting to promote "The Great Lollipop Caper" which comes out May 7th. So please head on over there and "like" it, if you're into that kind of thing. Thanks!

It's a little alarming how well she understands my day.

Mia was so looking forward to being all grown up when she turned 3.

If anyone feels the need for any mentorin' I think there are just a few days left to apply
at Motivarti.org

We don't watch a lot of sports in our house.

A cartoon about the creative process from today's talk about Children's Publishing at Gallery Nucleus.

2 upcoming opportunities to hear me flap my gums about drawing.

Opportunity #1: I'll be doing a workshop on Children's Books at Gallery Nucleus on Jan. 20th with James Burks and Dan Santat.

Opportunity #2: I'll be mentoring this semester with the Motivarti Mentorship Program. Click the link to apply.

Our angry neighbor came and yelled at us because our tree trimmer dropped a branch against his house. Don't mess with me, i will totally draw a picture of you!

please don't do this.

Sometimes you regret teaching them certain words.

Happy Holidays.

My send off yesterday.

Two things i never knew were missing from Xmas until Mia invented them.
1. Christmas trees with flames and lava shooting out of the top (from her love of volcanoes).
2. Christmas Zombies (from her love of Halloween).

The headline "Mars Rover 'Curiosity" Team Reportedly Will Reveal Major Discovery In December" has definitely piqued my interest, here's what my Money is on.

Sleeping during story time... is not allowed.

Had a fantastic time talking at Illustrator's Day yesterday!! Thanks so much to SCBWI for having me. Here's a highlight from the talk, my "Chart of Artistic Achievement", any similarity to any persons living or dead except me is purely coincidental. 

A brief interlude from Halloween decorations. This was tonight's game.

and Mr. Pinky