Escape from Hat, by Adam Kline and Brian Taylor

This past week my lovely company launched a brand new children's book, Escape from Hat, by Adam Kline. The book is scattered with illustrations from Brian Taylor, some in color and some in black and white.

The book tells the story of a brave rabbit, Leek, who is determined to do whatever it takes to return to his boy, Cecil. Aided by a warrior she-rabbit, Morel, the pair travel through a perilous land without a sun, a place replete with monsters, dimmer-dammers, and the rabbits' arch-enemies - the black cats.

I love all of ZOVA's book releases equally, but some involve a more unique vision than others. Escape from Hat is not like other books. It's incredibly hard to categorize, being most accurately described as a "fanciful epic." It stands on its own in a number of ways, not least for the artistry of its words, the strange fusion of its language and illustrations, and the tongue-in-cheek allusions peppered throughout the text.

You may have noticed that I don't write very often about ZOVA's book releases here, and that's in large measure because I try to separate my work from my personal life. But this is a book that has seeped into the cracks between my two worlds. It's one I continue to read for pleasure as well as vocation. I recommend it to everyone with abandon, not because I had a hand in its development, but because it's a book that everyone will love.

And because this is a personal blog, filled with personal thoughts and feelings and experiences, I'm going to say this from the bottom of my most personal heart: You, too, should read this book. And you, too, should share it with friends.

Here's how:

1. Buy it on Amazon*. The print book is beautiful, but the digital book is lovely too. The color illustrations look incredible on a Kindle Fire screen. I have seen them.
2. Review it on Amazon, agree with the tags you see there, and copy your review over on Goodreads as well.
3. Share the book with your local elementary school, middle school, or library. They will appreciate it. If they want more, tell them to contact the publisher (you know who) directly. I love those people.
4. Post one of the above links on Facebook or Twitter, or pin the cover to your "favorite books" board on Pinterest. If you tweet about it, hashtag #escapefromhat so we can find you and share in the conversation.
5. I see you are now an avid fan. You can follow the author on Facebook, and the illustrator on Twitter and Pinterest.
6. Still wondering what to do with your love? Buy more copies and ask for them to be gift wrapped. Stow them away for Christmas, or let the cat out of the bag early.

And please drop me a note. I would love to hear your thoughts.

*I know most of you personally, so if you can't afford to buy a copy, let me know. You can borrow mine. No, really.