After months of excitement and anticipation, we are happy to announce the results of the Gorillas in the Kitchen “Make Your Own Book” contest. And the winner is . . . Spencer Nichols!
In addition to being a prize-winning author and illustrator, Spencer is six years old. His debut work is really wonderful. To quote the blurb on the back cover:
You never know what might happen when you walk into the kitchen. One morning, Spencer finds two gorillas where his parents should have been and follows them on an adventure in which he risks a wet bottom, runs out of gas twice, and travels to an unknown planet. With help from barbeque-loving aliens, Spencer finds his way home, but not before coming up with the ultimate get-rich-quick scheme.
The story is lively and interesting (and has a surprising plot twist at the end) and the illustrations are charming, consistent, and really well drawn. What really impresses us about Spencer is that he’s such a good writer and such a good artist. Robbi and I can only do one thing each. Spencer is the complete package.
In case you’re wondering what Spencer thinks about having won the contest . . .
Of course, we want to thank each and every kid who sent us a book. You guys all did a great job, and we’re so glad that all of you are now authors.
In the days ahead, we’re going to be featuring two other author/artists whose books we particularly admired (stay tuned).
But for right now, I’d like to have a round of applause for Spencer, who at the tender age of six, has accomplished something that many writers and artists never do. He has published his very own book!
Three cheers for Spencer, we say!
May this be just his first of many books to come.