Babies of all kinds are being born these days.
Here’s one of mine.
Born “Myrtle”, reborn with a new name — “Vertu”, in French — she arrived recently.
Huge thanks to Jean Long and Jessica Charnock, who translated the book from English, then diligently proofread the book in its draft form.
To do the translation, Jean took a big break from designing and building new birdhouses.
Jessica, meanwhile, took a break from the acclaimed Myrtle the Purple Turtle wall hanging she was creating at the time.
Thanks to Clif Graves, who formatted the book patiently and well. With Clif’s help, the book is also distributed by IngramSpark, making it easier for the bookstores, libraries, schools and other organizations who usually order my books.
As always, thanks to illustrator Jo Robinson, who created the original images.
I’m grateful to my co-author Lauren Reyes-Grange (of Myrtle’s Game and subsequent Myrtle the Purple Turtle books) whose brilliance allows me to shine.
I’m indebted — yes, that’s a great word, ’cause he invested in me! — to my husband for his love, support and commonsense. He and our entire family continue to help me with everything I undertake.
They all make for a remarkably diverse crew of midwives and family members. Two French-Canadians; two Jamaican-Canadians; one American from Maine; one South African, and a bunch of Canadians.
I’m also dedicating this post to Carol S, a Canadian who has become a super agent for the Myrtle books.
Thank you all for loving Myrtle! Err… Vertu!
Cynthia Reyes 