Because I loved books even more than candy or birthdays, I decided to write one when I was four years old. When I realized no one could read my loops and dots, I dictated the story to my father. He patiently wrote it on my blue-lined tablet. My mother read it with me daily, insisting it was the most exciting tale she had ever heard. Getting published became my ambition. I had no idea how difficult this would be.After decades of rejection, I complained to a successful author who had generously taken me under her wing. Wisely she said, "If you stop submitting your stories, you will not be published. I promise. Maybe you should do something else--like become a waitress."Years later I discovered the right story when we adopted our daughter from China. I made up an adventure about her imaginary journey down the Pearl River. SWEET MOON BABY became my first published book.To date, I have not become a waitress. Discover the book's back story, child-centered art/writing/math activities, and my blog at www.karenhenryclark.com. You can submit your drawings!