Gracie's Got a Secret

I’m pleased to say that the Eco-Freako store in the heart of Roberts Creek on British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast is carrying Gracie’s Got a Secret. I feel honoured to be part of their eco-minded business, especially since they have chosen to carry only a handful of authors.

Like Andrea, whose Creek Chic business previously occupied Eco-Freako’s current storefront, Eco-Freak is a strong supporter of local artists and creative entrepreneurs. Hurray for such forward-thinking business people. Remember to shop local.

I’ll be selling and signing Gracie’s Got a Secret books in Gibsons, BC on Saturday, Dec. 5. Look for me outside the Windows on the Water Gallery in Sunnycrest Mall on the Sunshine Coast Highway.

I’m almost sold out out of the finger puppets that accompany Gracie’s Got a Secret. Just two sets left. Colourful and washable, they’re fun, fair-trade items made in Peru. They’ve been a popular sale item in previous years.

Hope to see you there.

I’ll be at the Christmas Craft Fair Nov. 28 at the Roberts Creek Legion on B.C.’s Sunshine Coast, with Gracie books and finger puppets available. I’ll be available to sign books from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This is a fun family event with a visit from Santa, live music, delicious food by Dylan, and many artsy vendors. Come on out and support local artists and craftspeople.

You’ll find Gracie in great company on the Spiritual Teachers website. The book Gracie’s Got a Secret
appears alongside popular thought-provoking favourites like Zen Shorts and Zen Ties by Jon Muth, and Moody Cow Meditates by Kerry Lee MacLean.

The books on this site seem to lean towards eastern spirituality, which is where I find my inspiration. But these books can help children in any family look at their life differently and “be” in it more effectively. As the site says: “just trying to teach a few life lessons and perhaps help the kiddos retain a bit of the openness they were born with.”

A little girl in England recently wrote an adorable letter praising Gracie’s Got a Secret. She said: “Thank you for the story of Greasy’s had a seacret [sic.] That is the best book.” I particularly love the “Greasy” reference.

A U.K. family also wrote a nice review on amazon.com:

Perfect bedtime read, 10 Oct 2012

Our whole family has fallen in love with this story and is now using the catchphrase “gotta go, gotta go” whenever we need to get out of the house! A really fun read with lovely illustrations, a perfect bedtime story for our 3 year old.

The children’s website KidzWorld posted a review of Gracie’s Got a Secret, complete with a cool moving sequence of some inside pages, and a summary of the book. Here’s an excerpt:

“Gracie’s Got a Secret by Heather Conn is a cute storybook for young readers. Kids who enjoyed Finding Nemo will love Gracie. The story shows that all you need is willpower and determination in order to achieve the impossible.”

Click here to read the review and see the KidzWorld web page.

The KidzWorld site is aimed at young teens. I’ve found that teenage girls love Gracie and the illustrations.