Patches & Buttons

I received this book in exchange for an honest review. 

Patches & Buttons is a cute children's story that is written and illustrated by Jennifer Link.  Buttons is an adorable bunny that seems to be afraid of everything, especially loud noises and the dog named Patches. 

It is 36 pages wrong with an illustration every other page.  Buttons the bunny likes to hide when he is scared.  The story culminates with Patches wanting to play with Buttons and bringing him a toy and buttons finally manages to get over his fear and be friends with patches.

This book is quite simplistic but cute, fun and easy to read.  My son loves it and we have already read it more than 5 times since it came in the mail.  It has the toddler stamp of approval.  The illustrations are vivid and go along with the story very well. 

I give the book 4 out of 5 stars.  Very cute and fun to share with little ones. An enjoyable read from the realm of children's books.

Q & A with the Author
Name:Jennifer Link
Website: Jennifer Link Bookstore

Why did you decide to write Patches & Buttons? 
Jennifer Link: I sketched different concepts and fantasized about the possibility of bringing my art to children's books for many years, but admit life often got in the way.  A few years ago, I decided I would write a book for my nephew when he turned one.  It was a board book and I made it just for him so I never planned on publishing it.  But after good responses from the book from friends and family I set a goal to finally write a book to publish.  I wanted to create one for children that would be colorful and serve as a story about my two favorite animals: a dog and a bunny.  I wrote the book in memory of my dog Amber and bunny Buster.  When a child reads the book and begins to smile I know I have done my job in honoring my pets in a way that allows them to still live on.

How did you get your book published?
JL: I spent a good amount of time researching different types of publishing options available for new authors and the best route for children's books in general.  I decided to go with self-publishing because it made the most sense and allowed me to keep the rights to my artwork and story.  I picked Outskirts Press because they seemed to offer the most control over not only my publishing options but marketing at well.  They have marketing options that I have not seen in other companies. 

What types of readers will be interested in your book?
JL: Patches & Buttons was written to be geared towards 2-5 year olds.  Half of the book pages were created with text and the other with only artwork in order to keep the short attention span on the little ones.  I wanted to use bright colors and variety throughout the book to allow my readers to connect with the personality of the characters. 

What is special about your book and differentiates it from other books in the same category?
JL: I think what sets my book apart from others is the style in which I created the artwork.  I drew the pages manually then took it into a computer artwork program in order to add the color and textures.  I still managed to create the impression of fur on parts of the bunny and the dog without making it appear like a photograph.  I combined cartoon and realism to appeal to children and adults at the same time.

Have you published any other books?  Do you plan to publish any future books?
JL: This is my first published book so far but I would like to work on another one eventually.  I haven't decided if this will be a series yet or if I would create my new book with a totally new story and characters.