We all  know that December is a month of holiday celebrations. But it’s also the birthday month of a famous author who has written many beloved children’s books. One of his books we even featured in our Advent Countdown to Christmas Calendar. We love his books in our home and I bet, once I tell you his name, you will remember lots of his books as well.

Let me give you some facts about this mystery person and see if you can guess who he is.

• He was born in Little Rock, Arkansas on December 30, 1943.
• He’s written and illustrated over 300 children’s books.
• His most famous character appeared in his 1975 book, Just For You.
• Two of the main character’s favorite pets are a grasshopper and a spider.
• He’s going to be 69 this year so that means next year is the BIG 70, so we need to start planning a BIG celebration.

Do you know who he might be?

It’s Award-winning American children’s book author and illustrator Mercer Mayer!

Throughout his formidable career, Mercer Mayer has published over 300 books using a wide range of illustrative styles, although he is probably best known for his Little Critter and Little Monster series of books. When Mayer drew from his own childhood experiences in creating stories, he struck a chord with children and parents alike.

“Most of my books are about things that happened to me when I was a little kid,” says Mercer. “Now that I’m a big kid, I write about things that happen now, especially with my own children and grandchildren. They always remind me of what it is like to be little.”

In January 2013 Silver Dolphin Books will be releasing the first ever Little Critter app. This app invites young children to learn along with Little Critter and the other familiar characters who will reinforce their ability to resolve the practical, down-to-earth, family-based situations typically presented in Mayer’s book series. Offering a balance of fun games and learning activities, the Little Critter app emphasizes basic pre-school and early elementary curriculum (numbers, shapes, colors, patterns, letters, simple words, map reading).

In Little Critter: The Trip, you will be able to take an action-packed car trip with Little Critter, Little Sister, Mom and Dad in which everything imaginable happens—literally—from A to Z, in this fun-filled interactive app! “B is for bad”when the “T is for tire” goes flat! And “L is for lost” when where did the “R is for road” go? Little Critters’ trip is full of humorous ups and downs like the actual road they’re following! It’s up to you and Little Critter to help find the way, fix the car when it breaks down, and play lots of fun “G is for games” with Little Sister to pass the time! Kids learn along with Little Critter as, true to his nature, he cheers  you on to scale new heights!

We are super excited and can’t wait for the release of this app, which should be some time in January. Imagine how much fun it would be to take along the Little Critters for a road trip, a Dr. Appointment or just to keep the kids entertained. 

Silver Dolphin would also like to help wish Mercer Mayer a happy birthday, as well as wish others happy holidays, by offering FREE holiday e-cards. They will also have some Little Critter activity sheet available soon so keep an eye out for them and visit the Silver Dolphin website for the FREE holiday e-cards.

For more information, be sure to visit the Silver Dolphin Books’ website or follow on Twitter (@SilverDolphin) and on Facebook.

We have one additional goodie for our readers in honor of Mercer Mayer’s birthday – a wonderful giveaway!

One reader will win an AUTOGRAPHED copy (yes, autographed by Mercer Mayer himself!) of the book, Little Critter’s Snowball Soup. This is a “My First I Can Read” book for readers ages 4 and up (paperback). It’s a fun winter-themed book that ties so well into this festive time of year—join Little Critter, Little Sister, and Dog as they make their new friend the snowman a tasty treat—Snowball soup! Enter below for your chance to win… GOOD LUCK and Happy Birthday to Mercer Mayer !!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

We received the product for our honest review; all opinions are 100% our own and no other compensation was nor will be received; the winner will receive the product directly through the Giveaway sponsor; Facebook is not associated with this giveaway and is hereby released from any and all liability.