"Who Loves The Little Lamb?"; written by Lezlie Evans; illustrated by David McPhail; Disney-Hyperion Books; 2010; $15.99
ASHBURN, Va. — Each year, editors for children's books get around 25,000 manuscripts from writers who think they've come up with a novel children's book.
Only about 50 are chosen for publication.
Mormon author Lezlie Evans' book "Who Loves the Little Lamb?" was one of those.
The story of a mischievious child who spills the milk, makes a mess, pouts and breaks the lid to the cookie jar appealed to the editors at Disney-Hyperion Books, and it's appealing to children around the nation.
The book launched in January and is already successful. Toys R Us picked it up for its autographed books program, and Evans has been booked in seven libraries in Loudoun County for National Children's Book Week. It's the third book of hers that Disney has picked to publish.
"I've gotten some really nice feedback," Evans said in a phone interview with the Mormon Times from her home in Virginia. "I think every mom can relate to having a not-so-great day."
Evans said her youngest child actually played "an influential role" in the writing of her book, which is actually her ninth children's book.
"You can see him in every page," she said. "The child who drives you crazy but at the end of the day, you see him (or her) sleeping peacefully and you can't believe how much you love him."
Evans has six grown children and one "grandlamby," all of whom have served or currently serve as inspiration for her writing.
Her published books include "Sometimes I Feel Like a Storm Cloud," "Rain Song," "Can You Count Ten Toes," "Can You Greet the Whole Wide World," "The Bunnies' Picnic" and "The Bunnies' Trip."
Evans started writing for children in 1993 because she feels very strongly about the value of a good children's book.
"Reading creates bonds with children. It's the magical ones that help you connect," she said. She is a graduate of Brigham Young University with a degree in broadcast journalism, and she currently serves as first counselor in the Relief Society presidency in the Brambleton Ward, Ashburn Virginia Stake, where she writes the sister-to-sister newsletter.
"I never thought I would write for children," she said. "It's very difficult to break into children's publishing. I know how lucky I am."
She just finished the manuscript for a historical fiction book for middle grade readers.
It's set in the Utah territory and the characters are definitely Mormon pioneers, she said, but the story is not designed as a Mormon story. She has high hopes for it.
"It's something new for me," she said.
e-mail: haddoc@desnews.com