Kidlit Critterpalooza!

 For over a year now, CRITTER, the creation of artist Ian Sands, has been travelling the world, meeting many talented writers and authors and exploring where they live. At each stop he learns more and more about KIDLIT and the importance of literacy and creativity. This journey was the brainchild of Christy Evers, who got her hands on Critter after an interactive art project of Ian’s, where 500 Critters were hidden all over her city for people to find.

Critter has visited PJ Hoover (and the Texas Sweethearts!) in Texas, Beth Revis in North Carolina, Christina Farley in Korea, New England with Nandini Bajpai, Illinois with Kelly Polark, MG Higgins in California, Rena Jones in Montana, Cynthia Leitich Smith in Texas, Bish Denham in the Virgin Islands, Jacqui Robbins in Michigan, Tina Ferraro in California, Cynthia Chapman Willis in New Jersey, Jill S. Alexander in Texas, Ellen Oh in Virginia and finally, Alberta Canada with Angela Ackerman.

Critter has been to college, rock concerts, national landmarks, a palace, attended his first SCBWI conference, walked among giant redwoods, and met the world famous artist, Robert Bateman. Now that his journey is coming to a close, it’s CRITTER’S hope that you will help him celebrate over at The Bookshelf Muse. His new hosts, together with old hosts, have teamed up to create the Kidlit-inspired event, Critterpalooza! and you’re invited!

There are many AMAZING prizes to be won, all in the spirit of helping Critter celebrate the wonderful creativity & support within out KIDLIT community, and to also raise awareness for his charity, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.


If you would like to donate a few dollars to Critter’s charity, just click on the I Love St. Jude button. Children’s lives are saved every day thanks to the support of people like you!


Check out Critter's Adventures here:Ian: http://iansands.blogspot.com/


Christy: http://christyscreativespace.blogspot.com/search/label/follow%20Critter%20through%20Blogland


PJ: http://pjhoover.blogspot.com/2009/09/winner-and-critter.html


Texas Sweethearts: http://texassweethearts.blogspot.com/2010/06/featured-sweetheart-critter.html


Beth: http://bethrevis.blogspot.com/2009/10/critter-at-castle.html


Christina: http://christinafarley.blogspot.com/2009/12/critter-explores-palace.html


Nandini: http://nandinibajpai.blogspot.com/2010/01/ala-midwinter.html


Kelly: http://kpolark.blogspot.com/2010/02/rockin-with-critter-and-grammy-awards.html


MG: http://mghiggins.blogspot.com/search/label/Critter


Rena: http://renajjones.blogspot.com/2010/04/more-critter-pics.html


Cynthia LS: http://cynthialeitichsmith.blogspot.com/2010/05/cynsational-news-giveaways_28.html


Bish: http://bish-randomthoughts.blogspot.com/search/label/Critter


Cythia CW: http://cynthiawillis.blogspot.com/2010/08/meet-critter.html


Jill: http://jillalex.livejournal.com/18125.html


Jacqui: http://jacquirobbins.blogspot.com/2010/08/taming-of-critter.html


Tina: http://yafresh.blogspot.com/2010/08/critter-goes-to-collegegiveaways.html


Ellen: http://elloecho.blogspot.com/2010/10/visit-with-critter.html


Angela: http://thebookshelfmuse.blogspot.com/search/label/critter


The Bookshelf Muse: http://thebookshelfmuse.blogspot.com/

Are You a Fan of Critter?

Yes!  You too can join the throngs of screaming, crazed, needing-autographs fans of Critter. Click here to be a Critter's Fan.

This cute fellow created by Ian Sands has been all over the world and will be auctioned off soon to help kids.

Critter Explores the Palace

Critter took on a whole new adventure as he stepped up to the guards of Gyeongbokgung Palace. This is the central and largest palace in Seoul, which I think surpasses the Forbidden City in beauty and the the Golden Temple of Japan in architecture.




It was a cold day, so Caleb kept Critter warm in his arms. We came up to the fierce guards, so fierce that Critter and the boys told me "No Way!" when I tried to get them to take a picture with the guard. But one glimpse of that sword, I had to agree.




We arrived there just in time to see the changing of the guards. Critter liked the Blue Dragon flag.






Then we entered through the massive gates (Haungnyemun). This palace was the royal family's residence during the Joseon Dynasty and is flanked by ragged mountains. Pretty impressive if you ask me.

Unfortunately, the palace was burned during the Japanese Invasion in 1592 but rebuilt during the reign of King Gojong.


The river flowing inside the palace was frozen. When we crossed the bridge (Yeongjegyo) Critter tried jumping into it (he's dying to ice skate). Don't jump Critter! Caleb caught him just in time. Whew. That was a close one.





Our last stop (before Critter froze to death) was the Sajeongjeon. This is the hall where the king pondered his decisions and met with his officials. The king held a meeting there every day at 3 am and 5 am. We were pretty impressed at that since we were tired just walking to the building.

The ceiling is truly breathtaking.

Critter said he like the dragons.

Luke wanted to sit in the throne and Caleb wanted to do his taekwondo moves in the center.

But there was a sharp wind cutting through (the winds here make the weather seem colder than it is) and we were COLD. Critter suggested hot chocolate. Great idea Critter!

So we headed back home to our cozy, warm apartment for cocoa and cookies. A great end to a fun adventure.

Critter is HERE!

Yep. That's right. Critter made the long, long flight over here. He was a little jet lagged when he first arrived, since our days were his night and so forth, but he's now fully recovered and out exploring.

The first order of business was to get him in a hanbok. Luke and I made one for him and he looks so cute in it. Don't you think?

Then we took him shopping.









He debated over which selection of kimchi to choose.









Got a little freaked out by the wide eyed fish and octopus.













He got hungry so I let him choose from dried squid or dried seaweed.









Luke told him to choose the seaweed, because it's salty and yummy.









Critter says shopping is really different in Korea but he had a blast.

Stay tuned in the next few days for more adventures from Critter. Hint: it starts with a p and is a place.