Letters ARE my friends.. They ARE. They ARE.

There are days - like today - when I'm reading a contract thinking "surely it doesn't say THAT?" (It does.) The words look like they're made up of letters like these. Which reminds me of the days when I was so little I thought I was NEVER going to get the alphabet straight. I was NEVER going to be able to read. There were too many letters. And I absolutely couldn't be interrupted if I was reciting them, I had to go back to the beginning, remember? Who knew if "H" came before "J" unless you started again... a.b.c.... But today, with confidence and experience, and trust, I know these wild letters can be tamed into a contract that will be comfortable for both my publisher and myself. Shhh. Be good little letters.

Ocean Commotion: Life on the Reef

Good news! My newest book, Ocean Commotion: Life on the Reef (September 2010, Pelican Pub) will be included in the September 1st edition of Booklist Fall Youth Preview Section.

A one-woman exhibition of Janeen Mason's lively original picture book illustrations opens in the 22nd floor gallery of the Capitol Building in Tallahassee on April 8, 2010. The reception is from 3 - 5 pm. Please join us if you're in the neighborhood! Can't make it for the reception? The work will remain on exhibit until July 1, 2010.

For more information: www.florida-arts.org

www.JaneenMason.com