Duke Pics

My husband decided not to illustrate for my chapter book. The decision was made because the story has a seasonal theme. Its not nearly as seasonal as A Christmas Carol or How The Grinch Stole Christmas; however, its still set during winter around the Christmas season. We didn't think we'd have enough illustrations by Thanksgiving, which is around the time I want to release Duke's Forever Family to the viewing public.

Its a 10 chapter children's story about an adventurous kitten whose family disappears one winter's night. When he finds they are missing, he sets off into the cold to search for his siblings and his mother. Along the way he meets new and interesting friends, discovering that hurt and loss come in many different forms. Will Duke find his family or is he alone for good?

Here is one of the pictures that we were going to insert, however it will not be included in the final product:

Aww isn't he cute for a drawing?

To illustrate or not?

Well my husband started illustrating for my manuscript "Duke's Forever Family" a story about a kitten who wakes up to find his whole family has disappeared while he slept. He sets out on an adventure to find them. During his adventure he finds friends and learns about how others experience loss and hurt.

Well now he kinda just wants to stop illustrating since its a chapter book. He wants to put the book out without any pictures because its 10 chapters long and the shortest chapter is about 5 pages. Its a beginner or entry-level chapter book so that kids who are starting to out grow picture books can step into my chapter stories.

Well he wanted to illustrate it and he had some pretty cute pictures but now he doesn't think we should. I kind of want them so that its an easier transition for kids. It's a toss up. I guess that we still have time to consider it. Being the story does take place during the winter, specifically around Christmas, I kinda want it to be taken care of ASAP so I can get the copyright already.