Hi Everyone. I'm pleased to announce the official release of the Earth Machine, a children's book that I wrote and illustrated, graciously published by Red Cygnet Press. The book is up for sale online at vendors such as
borders.com
barnesandnoble,com
amazon.com
walmart.com
and
target.com
Art Supply Warehouse and other local stores will soon carry it as well.

I started this book while taking classes at California State University Long Beach. This book is dedicated (see inner cover) to all the instructors, advisors, and my classmates and friends there.
This book is perfect for both children and adults because it has a story children can relate to and a message adults know all too well.
Red Cygnet Press is a new company, so I could use all the help I can get to promote them and the book.
If you'd like to purchase a book, please order it online from Borders or Barnes and Noble to create a sales demand.
If you would like to see the whole book (without words) please go to www.earthmachine.blogspot.com and afterwards, if you'd like,
you could go to the sites that sell the book, search for the "Earth Machine" or "Kevin Tong" and give the book a review or rating.
If you know anyone else who'd be interested in this book, please forward this email to them.
Thanks a lot guys and gals,

Here's the official press release.


PRESS RELEASE

www.redcygnet.com

858-674-1500 • 858-386-3163

Young Long Beach Artist Gets First Big Break,

Wins Children's Book Contract

for immediate release: January 2007

Long Beach resident, Kevin Tong, has already gotten the big break that most struggling young illustrators only dream about. Only a short while after graduating from California State University at Long Beach with his B.F.A . in illustration, Tong had a contract in hand to publish his first book.


Tong's children's book, entitled The Earth Machine, has just been published by San Diego-based publishing company Red Cygnet Press. Tong was among the very first young author/illustrators to submit his work to the children's publisher, which puts out a call twice a year for submissions.


"We get the word out through the art departments of colleges and universities," explains Bruce Glassman, publisher and co-founder of the company. "We ask for sketches, sample illustrations, and a draft manuscript. We evaluate them all and publish the best ones."

In January 2006, Red Cygnet received more than 120 final submissions and had spots for only 12 contracts. Tong was one of the lucky few. "Kevin's illustration style is very graphic and unique. It really grabs your attention," says Joshua Gravin, vice-president and co-founder. "Each piece has incredible detail and uses very interesting perspectives. "

One of Tong's greatest loves is graphic novels, and his illustration style clearly shows that. He lists among his greatest influences the work of Winsor McCay, the creator and illustrator of "Little Nemo in Slumberland" in the 1900s. The other artist Tong admires greatly is Chris Ware, illustrator of the Jimmy Corrigan series. "He's easily the best illustrator around today," Tong explains.

The Earth Machine

is a fantasy story about a young boy who dozes off to sleep one night while pondering what his father does for his job. The book explores the rich and highly imaginative nature of the young boy's dreams as it poses interesting questions about the cosmos.
Tong currently lives in Long Beach, California, where he works as a freelance artist. During the coming months, he will be doing a series of book signings and readings at libraries, schools, and bookstores throughout the greater Long Beach area. The Earth Machine can be ordered directly at the Red Cygnet web site, or through Amazon, Ingram, or Baker & Taylor, among others.

For more information, go to

www.redcygnet.com