Oh Mighty Mississippi - Melissa Vocelka

Oh Mighty Mississippi


by Melissa Vocelka

Oh Mighty Mississippi, a creative and beautifully illustrated children’s picture book, is Melissa Vocelka’s first book to come out in print. The book follows the mighty Mississippi River, and the plants and creatures it encounters on its long journey towards the sea. Featuring many of Minnesota’s state symbols, such as the Common Loon, the Pink and White Lady Slipper, the Walleye, and more, the book is not only entertaining, but educational as well. Oh Mighty Mississippi was inspired by a young child’s wonder and fascination of the Mississippi Headwaters at Itasca State Park, and is a great book for children, tourists, those who love art, those who love nature, and those who love Minnesota!

WRITER BIOGRAPHY
Melissa Vocelka was born and raised in Minnesota. Writing has been a part of her life for as long as she can remember. In 2010, Melissa graduated from Rainy River Community College in International Falls, MN, with an Associate of Arts Degree. Soon after, she graduated with honors from Ashworth College in Atlanta, Georgia with a professional Career Diploma in Writing Children's Books. Melissa currently resides in Saint Cloud, Minnesota, with her husband, John, and daughter, Rebekah. Oh Mighty Mississippi was inspired by her young daughter’s wonder at the Mississippi Headwaters at Itasca State Park. Melissa plans to continue writing and to publish many more children’s books.

ILLUSTRATOR BIOGRAPHY
Amy Larson was born and raised in Oak Park, Illinois. Ever fascinated by color and form, painting has always been a part of her life. After receiving a BS degree in Art Education at Illinois State University, Amy moved to Minneapolis, MN, where she and her husband raised their four children. Amy currently resides near Park Rapids, MN. Her art can be found in many homes and galleries across the country. Amy Larson’s paintings represent her view of the world around her, and her emotional response to what she sees is the focal point of each painting. Amy has won many awards and commendations for her work.

WEBSITE
www.melissavocelka.com

PURCHASE

http://melissavocelka.com/Store.html

BLOG
http://melissavocelka.com/Oh-Mighty-Mississippi-Express.html

PUBLISHER
North Star Press
http://ourbooks.myshopify.com/

REVIEWS
Oh Mighty Mississippi is a creative and beautifully written story that will fascinate children and nature enthusiasts alike. The artwork is beautiful and Melissa has written it in such a way that you can almost imagine yourself winding along with the Mississippi River on each and every page. I loved how she incorporated many of Minnesota's state symbols into the book, making it not only entertaining, but educational as well. I can't wait to get a copy when it comes out in print! - Joan, Grandmother

Knowing Melissa personally, I was honored to preview a draft of this wonderful book. I am a librarian who has a weakness for illustrated books about Minnesota and this one takes my breath away. Waiting for my published copy has been unbearable but the anticipation will be worth it! -Stephanie, Librarian

Midnight Ink - Publisher

Midnight Ink

Mystery’s Finest Hour

Midnight Ink publishes the very best in popular mystery paperbacks, from English countryside cozies to big city thrillers, and is dedicated to sleuthing out criminally-talented new authors. Our diverse line-up includes award-winning cozies, amateur sleuth novels, soft and medium-boiled suspense novels, and more.

Founded in 2005, the Twin Cities-based Midnight Ink has since published over 100 mysteries, including the 2009 Agatha Award-winning novel by G. M. Malliet, Death of a Cozy Writer.

MINNESOTA AUTHORS
The Murder-by-Month Mystery series by Jess Lourey
(St. Cloud, MN)
September Fair (September 2009)
August Moon (June 2008)
Knee High by the 4th of July (September 2007)
June Bug (March 2007)
May Day (March 2006)

The Otter Tail County Mystery series by Gerald Anderson (Moorhead , MN)
Murder Under the Loon (March 2008)
Death Before Dinner (April 2007)

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
Midnight Ink prefers agented submissions. While we also accept unsolicited submissions, our response time will increase significantly in such cases. Only those submissions sent as MS Word or PDF documents in an emailed attachment to submissions@midnightinkbooks.com will be accepted. Do not send by mail or fax.

Your submission must include the following:

* Cover letter containing a brief description of the project and the contents of the package.
* An outline and synopsis of the book.
* Brief summary of the author's background and credentials.
* Complete manuscript in the form of a Microsoft Word or PDF file.
* Your complete daytime contact information including telephone and email.
* Name, address, and phone number of agent (if applicable).
Please inform us if this is a multiple submission and include the number of current submissions.

The volume of submissions does not allow us to accept phone calls, e-mail, or other inquiries, or to provide comments or feedback on manuscripts. We will contact you only if we are interested in your proposal. Patience is a virtue—given the volume of submissions Midnight Ink receives, it can take up to six months for us to respond. If a manuscript requires a second read, it may take longer.