Sometimes things don't go as planned...
Justin had completed his final writing of Joey Plays Soccer by November 2024. We looked for our previous illustrator and he was no longer available on the platform that we originally found him and had to start looking elsewhere. We decided to hold off until January to start looking with the holidays upon us.
We found an illustrator and firmed the deal at the end of January. Unfortunately, due to unexpected challenges for the illustrator, the work was never completed. As his mom, I would have loved for him to say he had his second book out in the 5th grade as planned, but...
The saying goes, "There is a reason for everything." I am sure one day we will find out what that reason is... life is all about timing! And lessons learned. We are just so happy we found an illustrator who was able to complete his book to be out in time for the holidays!!!
Thank you to everyone who has been patiently waiting! We appreciate you so much!
And thank you to all of you who are just finding the Justin Plays... Series! Justin appreciates all of your support!
P.S.
In the new book, Justin had the illustrator give clues for kids to guess what Joey will play in his third book - coming spring of 2026!