I received an e-mail from author/illustrator Debra Frasier yesterday in which she explained the following: 

"The Make-A-Wish Foundation has invited Janell Cannon, Eric Carle, Ian Falconer, David Kirk, Ida Pearle, my dear friend, Lauren Stringer (see her new book: Snow, with Cynthia Rylant), and me to create e-cards for holiday sending. One click takes you to an array of illustrations to send, and a donation is made by E! Network to the foundation. The scenes are LOVELY. Visit http://att.eonline.com/on/playapart/maw.jsp and send a few today!"

It’s nice to see that sending someone a (virtual) piece of children’s book art can also punt a little money to a good charitable cause!

As a side note, I second Debra’s suggestion that everyone see Snow by Cynthia Rylant and Lauren Stringer. I’m a big fan, as is Paul O. Zelinsky, judging from his recent review of the book for the NYTBR.

I also received a message yesterday from Oliver Jeffers, whose note made me VERY jealous of those of you on the "other" side of the Atlantic! Here’s what Oliver had to say:

"My second book Lost and Found has been adapted into a short animated film. Though I had my hand in things during development and production, the true heroes are Philip Hunt and the animation crew over at Studio AKA. Narrated by Jim Broadbent and with an original music score by Max Richter, it all came together with pretty amazing results. It will be shown on Channel 4 in the UK at 2.30pm on Christmas Eve, and again at 12.30pm on Boxing Day. For everyone not in the UK or Ireland, you’ll have to wait a bit longer."

(Sigh.)