A cardinal in a white oak tree

My book, THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS IN ILLINOIS, is bursting with gifts. They are all from the Prairie State. From her cousin Sam, Mia gets five golden deer, eleven boats a-sparkling, and even a chirpy red cardinal named Ruby.  Not exactly what you'd find Christmas morning, are they?

The gifts are unusual, but they make Mia smile big. It's the same size smile I wore when I was picked to write the book. It was my chance to talk up my home state, so I filled the pages with mighty rivers,  noble presidents, spooky ghosts, and brave explorers. I also found room for some sock monkeys. (I go wild for those plush primates. Oo-oo-oo-ah-ah!) 

Not only did I write about my state's treasures, I got to meet a few too while promoting the book. Here I am with one from Rockford, Illinois--Rick Nielsen of the band, Cheap Trick. He was honored for creating a one-of-a-kind guitar exhibit at the Midway Village Museum:

Writing the book was a gift, one I'm glad to share with you. Join Mia and Sam as they swing by the state capital. Say hi to roadside giants on Route 66. And if you're hungry, stop to feast on a horseshoe sandwich. (It's not made of horseshoes, I promise!)  It'll put a smile on your face. Like all gifts, cardinals in white oak trees can do that.