Helping a GREAT CAUSE and promote reading to kids

I was recently at the new exhibit at the Elliott Museum in Stuart, Florida entitled "Imagination Can". A collection of more than 130 signed children's books from the Treasure Coast local VIP's to celebrities known around the world.

The list of those who signed their favorite childhood books and shipped then to Stuart for a charity auction reads like a pop culture Top 100: Poet Maya Angelou; The Apprentice’s Donald Trump; golfer Tiger Woods; former First LadyBarbara Bush; her son, former Gov. Jeb Bush; chimp lover Jane Goodall; former Miami Heat star Shaquille O’Neal; Pres. Barack Obama; Nike’s Phil Knight; Hollywood stars Sean Connery, Steve Martin and Robert Wagner; TV news readers Katie Couric and Brian Williams; Palm Beach musician Jimmy Buffett; and Playboy founder Hugh Hefner, among others.

The exhibition also included some of my illustration work and my latest picture books from the Cheech Marin series. All three books were signed by Cheech (as the author) and myself (as the illustrator).

Beginning on November 9th, fans, supporters, and book collectors throughout Florida and beyond will have the opportunity to bid in person or online for these highly collectible, signed editions and learn more about the stories that inspired these 80 + celebrities.

This fundraiser, The Little Auction That Could by Hibiscus Children’s Center in Jensen Beach, Florida, plans to generate enough money to open a new library at the shelter for abused and neglected children.

For more information visit: http://www.littleauctionthatcould.org/

Orlando Ramirez was interviewed by Latin Baby Book Club

I'm so excited that my new book, Cheech and the Spooky Ghost Bus is finally out in the stores and I'm back doing a few illustration workshops and presentations to promote my latest illustration work. I also did an interview with Latin Baby Book Club for all of you interested in learning more about my illustration work process and the research involved when creating a children's book.

Children's Book Trailer: CAPTAIN CHEECH

Well, I finally did it! I've recently been experimenting with music and video production software and I thought it would be fun to create a book trailer for my recent book CAPTAIN CHEECH. And it was a nothing but lots of fun! It took me about 15 hours to create (specially when you are learning new software) but it was ALL worth it!... I used Photoshop, GarageBand, iMovie and Keynote.

I kept going back to tweak it here and there, but I think it's good enough for my first "homemade picture book trailer." Amazing how much the trailer can pack in between visuals, sounds, and music.

So, here is the finished product (at least for now - hehe!)

Cheech The School Bus Driver recognized at 10th International Latino Book Awards

I'm very proud to announce that Cheech The School Bus Driver has been awarded an "Honorable Mention" under the category of Best Educational Children's Book in Spanish or Bilingual, at the 10th Annual International Latino Book Awards. The awards were presented during a ceremony held in Los Angeles during Book Expo America on May 29, 2008. "I’m very excited that my first picture book from the Cheech Marin original series was validated and recognized by the Latino community."

The International Latino Book Awards recognize contributions made to Latino literature by publishers and writers from around the world. Winners are chosen from nominated books published during 2007. The awards program is organized by the nonprofit organization Latino Literacy Now.

Promoting My New Book!

Book marketing has always been a complete mystery to me. I used to think that publishers have ALL "the tools" to really help a book sell well but, when my first picture book Cheech the School Bus Driver came out to the market, I quickly learned that I needed to pick up the slack and devote a lot of time to promote... I was on a rapid learning curve!

This time I'm starting the BUZZ early! My new children's book Captain Cheech, comes out on June 24, 2008 and this is the second of a series of books, written by actor and comedian Cheech Marin, and published by Harper Collins/Rayo.

The Cheecharrones, the kids who ride on Cheech's school bus, are challenged to a boat race. Ever try turning a bus into a boat?

Captain Cheech will be sold in both English and/or Spanish and you can pre-order your copy on Amazon or on the release date, wherever books are sold!

Also, in celebration of Latino Books Month, Cheech Marin will be promoting Captain Cheech and sharing with industry professionals the inspiration for reaching out to booklovers of all ages and younger Latino audiences. Childrens Books for Latino Voices of the Future will be held on Friday, May 30, 2008 at 3:15PM in Room 404B of the Los Angeles Convention Center at BookExpo America (BEA).

Celebrate National Library Week at the Blake Library and listen to Radio Interview on 88.9FM

I've been so busy finishing up some old design projects (and starting some new ones!) that I forgot to tell ALL my friends about the Celebration of National Library Week at the Martin County Blake Library. I will be conducting a lecture on Saturday, April 19 at 11:00 a.m. for both elementary age children and adults, I'll be also signing my latest illustrated book Cheech The School Bus Driver, written by the famous actor and comedian, Cheech Marin.

Oh, I'm also going to be promoting the second book of the Cheech original series called Captain Cheech, coming out this summer!

For more information visit: http://www.library.martin.fl.us/
This event is completely FREE...so, If you are in the area, stop by and say "Groooovanova!"

I've got a SUPER busy week ahead... Let me take a deep breath!

P.S. I'm also going to be visiting Willi Miller and her Radio Show called Arts Spotlight on 88.9FM this Tuesday, April 15(Tax day!) around 1 p.m. for a nice, casual conversation about my recent book projects and much more! Listen to the show online at http://www.wqcs.org/