The Release of Counting Toasters 1 to 10!

If you had told me ten years ago that I’d be a self-published author and illustrator of children’s books, I might have believed you. If you told me ten years ago that I’d be painting, drawing, and self-publishing books of toasters, I most definitely would not have believed you. But here we are in 2023, celebrating the release of my second children’s book, Counting Toasters 1 to 10!

Here it is!

I’ve already written a post divulging the history of my toasters, which can be read here. Once If Only I Had came out, people started telling me I should have a toaster book of some kind. It didn’t take long for me to write the first draft of Counting Toasters 1 to 10, although editing and finalizing the text took a few more months. Hands down the illustrations were the most time-consuming part.

A small tangent here – but I really love when I put plans into place that don’t necessarily immediately help me out, but make my life easier in the future. Like, putting the receipt for my vehicle tabs right into the folder for next years taxes. I like to say out loud, “Thanks, Past Haley!” when that happens.

I kept my layout files from If Only I Had, knowing I wanted the two books to be the same size and reused those for the pages for the new book. They were already set up, with guides in place for printing. I was even able to use the same file for the full cover design!

Thanks, Past Haley!

Counting Toasters 1 to 10 is written for kids under age 5, but adults reading it will get a kick out of it too. It’s a counting book that counts from 1 up to 10, then from 10 back down to 1. It features repetition in the text: “One little toaster… Two little toasters…” as well as rhyme from one page to the next. Each page features a number of toasters frolicking and just plain living their best lives!

It's a fantastic bedtime story, particularly because it’s not crazy long and ends with “Good night!” (Although we may be a little bit biased here at Chateau McAndrews.) That’s right, there’s a sleeping toaster at the end, and it’s adorable. I remember laughing as I painted the illustration for that page, which is always a good sign. It just might be my favorite illustration from the book.

I drew and painted each illustration with pen & ink, watercolor paints, and colored pencils on watercolor paper (for a step-by-step breakdown of the process, check out this blog post.)

Prior to publication, I submitted Counting Toasters 1 to 10 to ReadersFavorite.com for a review. I’m so proud to say, it earned 5-Stars! According to the review: “Haley McAndrews’s Counting Toasters 1 to 10 has all the elements of a great picture book. The story is imaginative and funny, and the language is simple. The flow is logical, and the rhyme and rhythm relaxing. An award-winning artist, Haley McAndrews’s illustrations successfully set the tone, focusing mainly on the toasters and their activities. It’s a reminder that sometimes less can be more. This story is not only intended to teach and entertain but also to inspire the imagination of young readers."

As nobody has asked yet, but I’m sure people will: yes, I am planning another toaster book! It is not a second to Counting Toasters 1 to 10, however. It is a standalone book, with a working title of “Toaster Haiku: For All Ages” and will be my first book of poetry (haiku, to be exact!) Here’s a sneak peek:

I bet you didn't know you needed a poetry book about toasters.

If you’d like to purchase a copy of my children’s books, you can find them on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and other online booksellers - and a few places locally, like Books and Bakery (Carroll, IA) or the Pearson Lakes Art Center (Okoboji, IA.) I will also be selling copies in person at my art events (you can see a list of my scheduled events for the year on my website) – assuming I don’t forget to bring the books with me again (Thanks, Past Haley!) And of course, for regular updates on my writing, art, etc. you can follow me on Facebook and Instagram @RedStoneArtStudio.