AN INVITATION TO THE BUTTERFLY BALL Illustrated by Jane Breskin Zalben Parents Magazine Press, 1976, Boyds Mills ISBN # 0-8193-0799-8 Parents hardcover ISBN # 0-399-20972-7 Parents paperback ISBN # 1-878093-61-4 Boyds Mills hardcover ISBN # 0-399-20972-7 Boyds Mills paperback

I wrote the first draft of this counting rhyme on the drive home from New York City. Normally a three hour drive, it took me over five hours as I kept pulling off the road to scribble stuff down. Revisions took another couple of days. Very rare for me to work so quickly. The repetitive verse, in which the animals try to get ready for a party, quickly becomes part of the young read-to's cultural respiration. First published in 1976 by Parents Magazine Press. The Press editor at the time, Selma Lanes, introduced me to the young artist Jane Zalben who soon became a good friend. Her delicious little party-going animals make the book, I think. Next the book was put into paperback by Philomel. Then when both editions were out of print, Boyds Mills Press picked it up. It remains a steady seller there to this day. A Junior Literary Guild selection. Also published in England.

       Only the Boyds Mills editions are in print.

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