Little Quack Goes to Hollywood!

Our little feathered friend has gone off to La la land to be in the movies. Or at least his book has. Little Quack can be seen in Fred Claus, a major motion picture starring Paul Giamatti as Santa Claus and Vince Vaughn as his down-on-his-luck brother. The book actually showed up in the trailer for the movie- it's being held by Vince Vaughn below (for a closeup, click on the picture).

Though it's too early to tell if the scene will make the final cut of the movie, we have our fingers crossed!

To see the complete trailer for the movie, click HERE.

 

Gladys Sightings in Minnesota!

It's not too often that you see purple gorillas hanging around your city. They are quite rare, after all. So we wanted to be sure and point out that one in particular has been showing up in Minnesota these days. Her name is Gladys and she's "Going Bananas" in the window of Macy's in downtown Minneapolis.

Do you have a Gladys sighting? Take a picture and send it to derekanderson.net at the email address here.

 

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"Going Bananas" at Como Zoo

 

It was a fine day to play at the zoo. On Thursday, June 14th, we launched the 2007 Minnesota Library Summer Reading Program at Como Zoo in St. Paul, Minnesota. "Why at the zoo?" you ask. Because purple gorillas and brightly colored monkeys are at the center of the campaign this year, urging kids to "Go Bananas at Your Library." While no purple gorillas were spotted swinging around the zoo that day, a lot of fun was had by all.

Purple shirts featuring Gladys the gorilla were left with care in the orangutan habitat. And it didn't take them long to discover their fancy new summer apparel.

 

"Hmm, this isn't a banana, but it's quite tasty."

 

"Where's the tag?"

 

"Do you have anything larger?"

 

Derek spent the day drawing gorillas, monkeys and pirate monkeys with kids (Pirate monkeys? Derek let the kids decide what to draw and that was what one budding artist wanted to draw). He also chatted with parents about writing, illustrating and reading. Thanks to everyone who came out!

 

"What do you mean I look like those monkeys with the shirts?"

 

"Going Bananas" with markers and paper...

 

Join Derek at Como Zoo
for the Minnesota Library
Summer Reading Kick Off
on Thursday, June 14th

What: A Fun day to kick off "Go Bananas at Your Library"
When: Thursday, June 14th 10am-2pm
Where: Como Zoo (For More Info, Click Here)

Derek will be monkeying around the Como Zoo grounds in St. Paul, Minnesota on Thursday, June 14th to kick off and celebrate the launch of the 2007 Minnesota Library Summer Reading Program, "Go Bananas at Your Library." Stop by and say "Hello." You can even draw with Derek. Bring your friends and family! All are welcome!

 

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Derek to Speak at
Maplewood Library
on Saturday, June 9th

What: A Fun Presentation about Writing and Illustrating Books
When: Saturday, June 9th at 12:00(Noon)
Where: Maplewood Library in Ramsey County (Map Here)
Who: For All Ages, Free Admission

Derek will be speaking at Maplewood Library on Saturday, June 9th at 12:00pm. He'll reveal secrets hidden in his books, talk about what it's like to be an author and illustrator and show pictures of some of his early work. Derek painted the poster for the Minnesota Library Summer Reading Program. It's called "Go Bananas at Your Library" and features his purple gorilla, Gladys, from the book, Gladys Goes Out to Lunch. The Maplewood Library is located at 3025 Southlawn Drive, just west of the Maplewood mall. Stop by and say "Hello." Bring your friends and family! All are welcome!

 

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Derek to Speak at the
St. Paul Central Library
on Saturday, June 2nd

What: A Fun Presentation about Writing and Illustrating Books
When: Saturday, June 2nd at 11:15am
Where: St. Paul Central Library (Map Here)
Who: For All Ages, Free Admission

Come by and see Derek at the St. Paul Central Library on Saturday, June 2nd. Derek will reveal secrets hidden in his books, talk about what it's like to be an author and illustrator and show pictures of some of his early work. He'll also show how he painted the poster for this summer's Minnesota Library Summer Reading Program. It's called "Go Bananas at Your Library" and features his purple gorilla, Gladys, from the book, Gladys Goes Out to Lunch. Stop by and say "Hello." Bring your friends and family! All are welcome!

Look for Gladys and the Summer Reading Program in libraries all across Minnesota this summer!