In the famous Peanuts cartoon by Charles M. Schulz, the character Schroeder is seen playing his piano, often recreating a tune of Ludvig van Beethoven's. Many times, the same song comes out, but somehow, he hits the right series of notes to emphasize his progress or frustration.

As we begin the New Year, we too at Sharing-Books continue to play our music. Our IT department regularly meets to find ways of enhancing the site. Our Classics department scours the globe in search of material that will somehow strike a chord in the minds and hearts of our readers. And of course, our Executive Team meet with those interested in supporting literacy and raising up the next generation of readers.

Our creators have brought you lively illustrations, such as those created by Catherine York and James Stroud, as well as topical written material that addresses the human condition. And that is to only name a few of our creators! Together, we create a global publishing company that has released over 150 e-books and posters in 2009.

So just as a pianist takes a fraction of a moment before beginning the next song, we encourage all of you to consider how truly splendid that feat is! It started with a single note, followed by a second hand on the keyboard, only to be joined by yet more players and more instruments. It seems only fitting of course, to encourage you to listen to this piece by Beethoven, as we ring in the New Year. Please join us in humming, singing and conducting this rendition of Ode To Joy.

Labels: Beethoven, Catherine York, children's ebooks, children's illustrators, children's writers, ebooks, James Stroud, Ode To Joy, Peanuts

We at Sharing-Books want to make you feel welcome to enter our Children's eBook Contest. It is our way of encouraging you to give birth to that character who is aching to be noticed, but who is too often drowned out in the hurly-burly light of day.

This season, a favourite grandmother is being honoured. Simone Wood shared the dream of reaching out to others. Whether she befriended a field mouse with bits of cheese on her back stoop, or resurrected used books in her Oxfam shop, this Grandmother would have welcomed you.

For us, a contest is simply another way that our book creators can reach out to their audiences. Prize money is an added incentive to depict that character and share his or her story. In the children's book world, it is common to charge a fee of $25 to entrants for competing. We would rather not. We simply want to award three buckets of cash - not just one - to those who contribute to our community and share the dream of giving books away free to children.

So come on, join in the fun. Answer that little voice. When you participate, it tells your audience that you are sincere in your wish to publish. It allows your audience to encourage you by voting for your work. At Sharing-Books, you are in the community of friends, one who supports the act of creative writing and illustrating. Our community is around the globe, and each of us look forward to tuning in to read the lastest development in the children's book world.

Labels: Children's books awards, children's illustrators, children's writers, contests, ebooks, Simone Wood

Today at Sharing-Books, we are celebrating UNESCO's World Book and Copyright Day! April 23rd was selected as a date shared by several authors such as William Shakespeare and Miguel de Cervantes. On April 23 2009, we will join thousands around the world to pay respect to book creators and their achievements. As many of our book creators already know, Sharing-Books shares one third of its revenue with its book creators - a generous offer in the world of children's book publishing. Plus when you create, you also contribute to a growing library of online books available for free to our world's children. We publish stories in French as well as English, and are sourcing Japanese titles. All our classics are copyright-free as well, continuing to be on the forefront of the digital publishing industry. Come join us and register online - for free!

Labels: children's books, children's illustrators, children's writers, digital publishing industry, ebooks, UNESCO