Dear readers, parents, and children:

Are you disappointed in the state of modern children books? Do you long for the same quality, content, and values that defined your childhood favorites? Does your family rely disproportionately on reprints, because new releases so often fail to meet your standards?  If so, please consider supporting a 25-year-old author and illustrator whose goal is to restore those standards.  

"Marlin, the Cat" is a long-format, literary, family-friendly picture book with 45 detailed, hand-drawn ink and watercolor illustrations.  The illustration style is reminiscent of the Golden Age of Children's Books, which lasted from about 1880-1960.  The text is suitable for elementary school age and easy to read aloud.  It tells of a runaway cat's return to his family and the friends he makes along the way. Without overt preaching, the story explores themes like obedience, readiness, forgiveness, and friendship.  "Marlin" will be available both as a hardcover and a high-quality paperback, will be printed by a local printer on heavy, sustainable, American-made paper, and will include an endpaper map and full-spread cover illustration. The hardcover will feature linen-textured cover boards, a sewn binding, and extra durability. The paperback will feature a matte cover, Perfect Binding, and economical pricing.

Children's books like "Marlin" will not sell themselves. Large-scale publishers are preoccupied, pushing objectives that have nothing to do with art or literature.  Small-scale publishers are exclusive, rejecting submissions that are irrelevant to narrow topics. Few publishers market on behalf of authors, and self-publishing requires a massive outlay for both marketing and printing. In this hostile climate, it's hard for authors to subsist, but the return of great children's books will mean the return of children's books as a vocation.  The revolution will be driven and funded by readers like you.  

"Marlin" will be marketed using Amazon, social media, personal networking, school and library visits, art shows, and ads in relevant publications. As a gesture of thanks, those who donate $100 or more to this campaign will receive a signed hardcover copy.  The cost breakdown is listed below:

$400 - design

$1200 - printing

$150 - mailing

$320 - ISBNs (pack of 10 on discount, but only need 2 for book, and 1 barcode)

$275 - ad in a national publication (hoping to fund more advertising from book proceeds)

With effective promotion, "Marlin" will soon become self-supporting... and he's just the beginning!  I hope to create shelves of stories, for all different ages and with many different themes.  I'm asking for patrons, readers, and listeners, but also for colleagues and competitors.  I hope that "Marlin" and its sequels contribute to restoring children's literature to its roots.  

Thank you so much!

Ainsley Bloomfield