Drawing Mom

YOU ARE AMAZING!

2012-01-24T10:31:00.000-08:00

It's true.

And I think National Compliment Day should be more than once a year!

FEEL GOOD CARDS

2012-01-19T08:34:00.000-08:00

I was looking at Design Sponge this morning, and I came across this photo.

I don't know why, but it made me sad. Maybe it's because my daughter is doing fractions at school, but right away I noticed the math.

This was not a comforting percentage.

I want happy events to far outweigh the sad, so I took the picture into photoshop and fixed it. I'm much happier now.

What kind of cards would you send?

WEBSITE

2012-01-17T08:44:00.000-08:00

I have been working on my website for 5 months now. It's one of those things that I thought would be faster, but obviously it's not.
Here is the latest.
I'm using these old metal letters as the menu buttons.
It's fun, time consuming, and hopefully worth it!

Oh, I'm still writing and illustrating too!
And making lunches, and doing laundry, and running to the post office.
I guess that's why everything takes so long.

WISH GIRL

2012-01-13T08:03:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I get interesting ideas when I am pushed into a corner.
Last month I got some friends together for a holiday lunch.
The corner?
Bring one homemade gift not costing over $10.00 to make.

This seemed like a great idea, but the day before the lunch I was panicked.
I ran around the house looking for ideas.
I found
- a piece of painted cardboard I had used for another project.
- a little glass vial from Etsy.
- a sewed doll form from my daughter's birthday party 2 years ago.
(It was a decorate your own doll party)

Here's what I ended up with. I hope she has secret powers to make wishes come true!

And the bonus? Our holly tree which has been on the verge of dying for the last three years, was this year happily full of berries and pointy leaves.

All wrapped up and ready to go!

UPPERCASE MAGAZINE

2012-01-10T08:13:00.000-08:00

GET YOUR OWN COPY HERE

2012-01-06T06:31:00.000-08:00

Do you already know about this?

Probably, I'm not on the cutting edge of technology.
It's a site for visual scrapbooks - right up my alley.
Here is the link to my little piece of Pinterest. I'm new to the whole thing, so if you have any tips, please do share. Plus I'd love any suggestions of who to follow.
Charise's Pinterest Page

HENRY'S HEART - LOVE AND OTHER STUFF

2012-01-05T09:00:00.000-08:00

I've been busy over the last couple of months, so the posting thing has not been easy - to be honest I've let it slip. So, I'm going to catch up this month, with a few things I should have talked about last month. It's not old news, it's good news, so I think it's worthwhile.

First up Henry's Heart!

This is my newest book, and I'm really excited about it because . . . I worked on it with an entire elementary school. I went to the school once a week for three months, and spent time with each and every student in the school - all 300+ of them. It was an amazing opportunity for me, and if you want to read more about it here are some links to press articles about the experience.
Article One: The Loop
Still want to know more?
Article Two: LoHud

I'm a lucky author. I truly love all the publishers I work with, and here's an example of why. When I asked Christy Ottaviano - my publisher at Holt if I could put every child's name on the dedication page she said, "OK, Let's do it!"

This was my surprise for the kids. They were dedicated, helpful, engaged and creative, and they stuck with me for three whole months. Every Monday they had to stop what they were doing, line up, visit with me, line up again, and then go back to their classrooms to continue their studies. Transitions like this are not easy - I know, I have a seven year old. On top of that they waited for almost TWO years to hold the published book in their hands. That's a long time in dog years - and I suspect it feels even longer in kid years.

I wanted them to have ownership of the book, and to know that no matter where they saw it - New York, Chicago, or Seattle their name was always going to be there, right on the first page.

Here's a shot of the dedication page.

I could go on and on about the contributions the kids made to this book, here are just a few.

It's hard to know what to say in conclusion. The entire experience was overwhelming, wonderful, surprising, taxing, and rewarding beyond words. Perhaps an image says it best.

ARNIE THE DOUGHNUT

2012-01-03T05:43:00.000-08:00

Do you know this book?

It has always been one of my favorites. It's funny, smart, and unexpected in so many good ways. I love Arnie!
And even before I knew her, I loved Laurie Keller.
I was a fan!

A few years ago we were introduced. I was nervous to meet her, but right away we hit it off, and we have been super friends ever since. So now I know a famous author - YAY! Lucky me!

Recently Laurie had a birthday, and I got excited - I always like a reason to put my crafty hands to work. I thought about Laurie, and said to myself, "What can I make her that no one else is going to give her?"
Answer?
An Arnie Doll with interchangeable eyes!
At first I was worried that she might already have one, but she assured me that no, mine was the first.

Here's a closer look.

Arnie has his Happy eyes on.

Here is Arnie's little bag of eyes.

Now for some other Arnie looks.

Arnie lives on Laurie's shelf. He's got a new friend.

What do you think?

HAPPY 2012!

2012-01-01T10:05:00.000-08:00

From My House To Yours!

MONSTER LOVE

2011-10-07T04:48:00.000-07:00

This cute little monster could be yours!

It's easy to win him and fun too! In celebration of my new book, The Power Of Cute, I'm holding a contest. I'm super excited about the book, so I just had to do something special. Plus, the truth is, I'm a sucker for a cute little character. I personally sewed (by hand!) all these fun little monsters. Sure it took a while, but it was oddly satisfying, and now here they are, just waiting to be held and played with.

Here are the contest details.

1. Send me a SASE and I will send you my handmade (by me) Power of Cute Kit.

2. Use the stickers (not permanent) to make your own cute character. Take a photo.

Here are two examples.

3. Post the photo on the Power of Cute facebook page. Here's the link.

Power Of Cute - facebook

And that's it. Fun and easy!

A winner will be randomly chosen on November 16th.

I have a limited number of kits, so only one per person please.

If I run out I'll post that information on the facebook page, so check it before you send me your SASE.

Here is the address for your SASE.

Charise Harper

P.O. Box 839

Mamaroneck, NY

10543

I can't wait to see what you come up with.

Oh, and this book? It comes out next week.

Good Luck!

Charise

A SUITCASE STORY

2011-10-03T06:43:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time there was a little suitcase. He was worn, at one time loved, but now abandoned. Somehow, one day he found himself on the doorstep of an unusual, but kind family's house. He knew they were unusual because the cat, sitting on the bright red bench by the back door, told him so. She said a lot of other things too, but he stopped listening, because he was not so interested in tales of squirrels and mice.
As expected of kind strangers, the little suitcase was invited inside.
He was carefully inspected, then placed on a table and left to ponder his own little suitcase thoughts.

Even though the suitcase was a relatively creative and free thinking suitcase, he could never have imagined what was about to happen next. In the middle of the night he was picked up and carried away to a secret studio. Early the next morning, before the sun rose, he was carefully placed back on the table in the exact same position as the night before. He looked untouched, but inside he was not at all the same.

Sometimes outsides do not reflect insides. While on the outside the suitcase looked sad and worn, on the inside he felt special, new, excited and full of surprises, and indeed he was - full of surprises!

He was filled with The Power Of Cute

To be continued . . .

BOOK WEEKEND

2011-09-23T07:32:00.000-07:00

I don't know what you'll be doing this weekend, but here's what I will be doing.
As always, I'll have some fun things to hand out! I love hearing creative people talk about what inspires them, and how they get the job done. At home in my studio it's only me, so it's fun to to meet others who do what I do. I always come away completely impressed and energized. Do stop by if you get the chance.

SATURDAY

12pm

Books Of Wonder (New York City)

This is a great bookstore and it's in a great location - lots to look at, and lots of things to eat. Check out the link to see the other authors who will be participating.

Here it is.

Books Of Wonder

SUNDAY

12pm

Sunnyside (Washington Irving's House on the Hudson)

Even if you don't want to see me you should come. There are over 60 other authors and illustrators to choose from. I can't wait to meet them too!

Here is the link to the event.

Sunnyside

Here's a little photo for you from my house!

Best,

Charise

FASHION KITTY PROJECT

2011-09-12T08:43:00.000-07:00

This is a busy fall.
I have three new books coming out in the next 2 months (Yikes!)
Next up is Fashion Kitty And The B.O.Y.S. (Oct. 4th)
I'm so excited to finally have another Fashion Kitty Book out in the world.
Here's a look at the cover.

I thought I would do a fun little project to go along with the book.
Without giving away too much of the story, I will say that marshmallows, and specifically marshmallow sculptures, play an important part in this latest Fashion Kitty tale.
I got together some girls, a few supplies, and in honor of the book we tried our hand at some marshmallow art.
Here is a very short movie about what we made.

In celebration of this new book I am offering some free pdf's, so that you can make your own Fashion Kitty notebook like this.

Here is a view of the inside pages.

If you copy the template on both sides of your paper the interior of your book will look like this.

Here are some samples of what you can draw.

Use the faint pink outline as a guide and draw your own version of Fashion Kitty.

Here is the link to the free pdf's.

Link to the free pdf'sl

HAVE FUN!

If you would like to post your pictures or drawings of Fashion Kitty join me on the new Fashion Kitty facebook page.
Fashion Kitty Facebook

STUFFY CUPCAKE

2011-09-01T04:42:00.000-07:00

I dedicated my book Cupcake to my nephew.

When I gave him the book I also made him a stuffed cupcake friend to go with it.

He named this little guy Stuffy Cupcake.

Now you can make your own very easy version of stuffy cupcake. It's a great kid's activity and would be perfect for a birthday party craft. Watch the movie below for the easy tutorial and then print out the free template.

Here is the link to the downloadable free pdf.

CUPCAKE TEMPLATE IS ON THIS PAGE
HAVE FUN!

BEHIND THE WAFFLE

2011-08-31T06:10:00.000-07:00

I know that as mom of the boy, I find many of the things the boy does charming and cute.
I know that I must resist telling others about this cuteness ... or they will roll their eyes the minute they think I'm not looking.
I know that I should not post pictures of this cuteness on my blog.

BUT . . .

The boy fixing the cover for our friend waffle.

Does anyone recognize this blanket?
It's his favorite, and the one they gave him at the hospital when he was born.
Man! I'm such a mom - getting all teary-eyed as I type this.

WAFFLES BOOK IS OUT TODAY!

2011-08-30T06:21:00.000-07:00

WAFFLE COUNTDOWN - 1 DAY

2011-08-29T06:31:00.000-07:00

WAFFLE COUNTDOWN - 2 DAYS

2011-08-28T05:00:00.000-07:00

WAFFLE COUNTDOWN - 3 DAYS

2011-08-27T04:12:00.000-07:00

WAFFLE COUNTDOWN - 4 DAYS

2011-08-26T05:00:00.000-07:00

WAFFLE COUNTDOWN - 5 DAYS

2011-08-25T05:00:00.000-07:00

WAFFLE COUNTDOWN - 6 DAYS

2011-08-24T03:39:00.000-07:00

WAFFLES A COUNTDOWN

2011-08-23T04:45:00.000-07:00

Look what I got yesterday.

Two Boxes!

What's inside?

It's my new book If Waffles Were Like Boys!

The official release date is August 30th, so I thought I would do a countdown.
The inspiration for this book was my son, so each day I will post a photo of a waffle doing something that my boy likes to do.

Here is our actor waffle.

He is getting ready for his first assignment.

My son likes being outside, so we had to start there.

Todays picture is ...

Amazon.com

Barnes & Noble

IndieBound

LEGOS IN MY LIVING ROOM - making a video

2011-08-19T07:42:00.000-07:00

Here is my camera set up with the dolly I made out of legos.

I made this movie for Amazon.www.amazon.com

WISH JAR 2 (I wish I could keep it in a jar.)

2011-08-12T09:21:00.001-07:00

JAPANESE CUPCAKE

2011-08-08T11:24:00.000-07:00

Look what I got in the mail.
I wish I could go to Japan and see it on the bookshelf.

NEW BOOK OUT TODAY!

2011-08-01T05:59:00.000-07:00

Just Grace and The Double Surprise is officially out today.

I couldn't be more excited!
Thank you everyone for supporting this series.
I love writing about Grace.
Hope you like this one.
Best,
Charise

School Library Journal

Gr 2 4—In this installment, eight-year-old Grace is dealt a "double surprise": her friend Mimi's family adopts a boy instead of a girl as they had expected, and Grace's parents finally say yes to her longtime dream of getting a dog. Readers unfamiliar with adoption will appreciate Grace's humorous, informative primer ("Adopting a new sister is not like shopping in a grocery store"). Harper expertly conveys the emotional ups and downs of welcoming a new family member: Mimi's disappointment at not having a sister mirrors Grace's frustration that her female dog answers only to the name Mr. Scruffers. Harper's humorous black-and-white cartoons suggest Jeff Kinney's "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" (Abrams) and help break up the text into manageable chunks ideal for new chapter-book readers. These simple but charming drawings evoke a typical young girl's notebook or journal doodles, and the accompanying speech bubbles and captions express the spirited heroine's unique perspective. Though Harper has crafted an engaging story, the book's strength lies in its protagonist's strong, distinctive voice. Chapter titles such as "What Happened Next" that are often followed by one-liners like "Craziness!!!" should build readers' confidence. Fans of the series and new readers alike will enjoy Double Surprise. This latest episode is a lighthearted alternative to more serious, instructional books on adoption. A fun, appealing chapter book.—Mahnaz Dar, Convent of the Sacred Heart, New York City.

Buy from amazon
Buy Indiebound
Buy Barnes and Noble

MAKING A VIDEO FOR AMAZON - Part One

2011-07-26T14:15:00.000-07:00

I just finished up making a little video for the Amazon site.
It's going to accompany the newest Just Grace book - Just Grace and The Double Surprise.
My surprise was how long it takes to make a 2 minute and 46 second video.
Here are a few behind the scenes pictures.
I'll post the link when the video is up.

It was super fun to make!!!!

I DIDN'T BUY DINOSAUR NUGGETS

2011-07-06T11:40:00.000-07:00

CHILDREN SCREAMING

2011-06-29T05:42:00.000-07:00

Lip Gloss

2011-06-22T10:46:00.000-07:00

WISH JAR 1

2011-06-15T06:05:00.000-07:00

VORACIOUS READER EVENT

2011-06-09T16:19:00.000-07:00

I'll be at my one of my favorite bookstores on Sat. at 3:30.
I'll sign your book, have a cup of tea and chat if you like.
They are having a full day of events starting at 10am.
Hope you can stop by.

Best,

Charise

The Voracious Reader
1997 Palmer Avenue,
Larchmont, NY 10538

www.thevoraciousreader.com

BOOKS OF WONDER EVENT NYC

2011-06-01T18:12:00.000-07:00

I'll be at Books of Wonder (A great children's book store in NYC) on Saturday June 5th from 12 to 2pm.
I'll be talking about "The Best Birthday Ever", which is perfect because I'm filled with birthday spirit.
My daughter's birthday was last week and my son's birthday is later this week.
So come on by if you have the chance. I'll be giving away some free goodies.

Here is the book cover in case you are curious.

www.booksofwonder.com

TOOTH FAIRY

2011-05-24T06:26:00.000-07:00

SHADOW PUPPETS FOR KIDS

2011-05-17T10:51:00.000-07:00

LEGO

2011-04-22T05:59:00.000-07:00

SUNSHINE?

2011-03-21T07:03:00.001-07:00

Cupcake - The Play!

2011-03-18T08:33:00.000-07:00

Making Movies

2011-03-17T11:08:00.000-07:00

HAND WASHING

2011-03-04T04:21:00.000-08:00

DALLAS SCHOOL VISITS

2011-02-28T07:45:00.001-08:00

LOVE DAY!

2011-02-14T09:57:00.000-08:00

A SURPRISE MOVIE FROM MY DEAR FRIEND!

2011-01-31T17:01:00.000-08:00

My friend Amy sent me this.
I am a lucky friend.
If you want to know more about her and her friend mission you can go here.
http://www.wbez.org/blog/mission-amy-kr/mission-59-ode-owed-our-friends

ACROSS THE MAP WITH JUST GRACE

2011-01-23T21:50:00.000-08:00

I'm going on a mini book tour to Vancouver, Canada!

I'll be at Kidsbooks on Thursday Jan. 27 at 7pm.

Kidsbooks

NEW BOOK!

2011-01-19T04:58:00.001-08:00

Should an author take advantage of a cute pet to promote a book?
Absolutely!

TEXTING

2011-01-13T08:01:00.000-08:00

MORNING WITHOUT COFFEE

2011-01-10T06:54:00.000-08:00

INDEX CARDS

2011-01-06T06:36:00.001-08:00

HAPPY BORN-DAY BIRTHDAY BOOK

2011-01-04T08:39:00.000-08:00

The Best Birthday Ever - more on the book

IT'S 2011

2011-01-03T08:01:00.000-08:00

I'm not a big New-Year's-Resolution type of person, but here are a few things I thought about while trying to get used to the new numbers I now have to write on my checks.

Happy Healthy 2011,

CHARISE

The Silver Lining

2010-12-06T10:34:00.000-08:00

http://kickcanandconkers.blogspot.com/

WAVING

2010-11-22T06:44:00.001-08:00

MY CAT LOVES THE GAP

2010-11-15T08:25:00.001-08:00

GROWN-UP TEST

2010-11-08T09:06:00.000-08:00

PHONE TECHNOLOGY CAN BE CONFUSING

2010-11-04T06:46:00.000-07:00

HALLOWEEN

2010-10-29T08:46:00.000-07:00

BOOK TITLES

2010-10-27T12:20:00.001-07:00

WATCHING

2010-10-25T06:14:00.001-07:00

SPIDERS

2010-10-21T06:48:00.000-07:00

GRRRRRRR!

2010-10-19T11:30:00.000-07:00

HIGH HEELS

2010-10-18T03:21:00.000-07:00

Lunchbox vs. Pizza

2010-10-15T04:53:00.000-07:00

HOBO FIRES

2010-10-13T07:37:00.000-07:00

MY EXCITING LIFE

2010-10-11T05:13:00.001-07:00

CAN I BORROW YOUR 12 YEAR OLD AT DINNER TIME?

2010-10-08T06:47:00.000-07:00

MY WISH TRIP

2010-10-06T08:51:00.001-07:00

IF SIX YEAR OLD BOYS . . .

2010-10-04T07:58:00.000-07:00

AUTHOR FANTASY

2010-10-01T06:11:00.000-07:00

PART 1

PART 2

AT THE PARK

2010-09-30T10:37:00.000-07:00

My Son's Favorite Playful Put-Down.

2010-09-28T06:15:00.000-07:00

I LOVE PIE

2010-09-27T06:07:00.000-07:00

MY MOM’S RHUBARB PIE

Pie Crusts – you will need 2, one for the top and one for the bottom.

Filling (this is the super yummy part!)

3 cups of diced rhubarb

1 ½ cups sugar

3 tablespoons flour

¼ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon nutmeg

2 tablespoons butter

2 eggs well beaten

Blend sugar, flour, nutmeg and butter. (with pastry blender)

Add eggs and beat until smooth.

Fold in rhubarb and mix lightly.

Pour into pastry lined pie plate.

Top with lattice crust. (crust looks like it’s woven)

Bake at 450 degrees for 10 minutes.

Lower the temperature to 350 and bake for 30 minutes.

The filling should be golden brown and puffed up.

This pie tastes good room temperature, refrigerator cold, and in an airplane above the earth.

ENJOY!

THE HAND

2010-09-23T04:17:00.001-07:00

PEEK INSIDE GIGI IN THE BIG CITY

2010-09-21T08:16:00.001-07:00

PINK AND MORE

2010-09-20T06:05:00.000-07:00

Here is more info on James Preller, who also happens to be very nice.
http://www.jamespreller.com/

THIS WEEKEND

2010-09-17T08:14:00.000-07:00

www.hudsonvalley.org

HBTM

2010-09-15T21:24:00.000-07:00

A SUPER GIFT!

http://www.happybirthdayauthor.com/2010/09/happy-birthday-charise-mericle-harper.html

Wish Kitchen

2010-09-15T07:03:00.000-07:00

Mexican Wrestling Cat

2010-09-07T09:24:00.000-07:00

FOOT TALK

2010-09-03T08:24:00.001-07:00

SHOPPING CART

2010-09-01T07:40:00.001-07:00

YELLING AND SCREAMING

2010-08-30T07:28:00.001-07:00

Sad But True

2010-08-27T08:56:00.000-07:00

Useless Nifty Thing

2010-08-25T06:24:00.000-07:00

Family Love (Pink Me UP)

2010-08-23T06:10:00.001-07:00

Making the Pink Me Up Video

2010-08-19T07:42:00.001-07:00

Pink Me Up Video

2010-08-18T07:46:00.000-07:00

NUMBER THREE

2010-08-16T09:35:00.000-07:00

NUMBER 4

2010-08-13T06:09:00.000-07:00

# 2

2010-08-11T06:31:00.000-07:00

The Carrot Doll

2010-08-09T07:17:00.000-07:00

TWITTER

2010-08-06T11:57:00.001-07:00

2010-08-04T03:42:00.000-07:00

WORRY

2010-08-02T04:01:00.000-07:00

2010-07-30T04:18:00.000-07:00

My Publicist

2010-07-28T07:16:00.000-07:00

# 1

2010-07-27T04:31:00.000-07:00

NUMBER 1

2010-07-23T11:57:00.000-07:00

The Human Alphabet

2010-07-22T06:31:00.000-07:00

A New Book

2010-07-19T17:49:00.000-07:00