Tumble & Blue
Page 22
“Do you think,” the man said in that curious voice of his, “that they’re going to win?”
“They just might,” said Monica, pumping a fist in the air. “Look at them go!”
While she cheered, the golden man watched the race with narrowed eyes. “Wouldn’t that be interesting,” he murmured to himself. “Wouldn’t that be something new?”
END
A FEW MORE WORDS
Before I became an author, I had no idea how many people are involved in turning stories into finished books. For you readers who wonder about such things, I’d like to introduce a few folks.
Elena Giovinazzo is my literary agent. She’s the one who sells my books to publishers. She reads my stories and helps me decide when they’re ready to meet the world. She’s a true friend, and I don’t know where I would be without her.
Namrata Tripathi is my editor at Dial, which is an imprint of Penguin Random House. She edited my first book, Circus Mirandus, and together we turned Tumble & Blue into a story I’m proud to share. Nami is smart, patient, and bold. She convinced me I couldn’t let go of this alligator tale, and she helped me revise it until I got it right.
Kate Beasley is my sister. She’s an author, too, and I dedicated this book to her. That’s only fair because I make her read every word I write. And I write a lot of words.
These three help me to be the best writer I can be.
When the writing is mostly done, there are people—so many of them—who make the book look its best and help it find its way into the hands of readers. Designers, copy editors, marketers, artists, publicists, and others—I’m sorry I can’t mention everyone by name, but you should know these people are out there. They’re the ones who make the books we read, and I’m so grateful to them.
One more thing before I go.
You won’t find Murky Branch on any maps. Nor will you find Munch’s island or the route Tumble and Blue take to reach it. But you will find the Okefenokee Swamp. It’s a special place, and despite a certain alligator’s opinion, visitors are welcome there.
Thank you for reading this story. Never forget that you’re the hero of your own.
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