So I got my first rejection today, from my favorite childhood magazine Highlights for Children. I’m not too depressed about it; actually I was pretty excited to receive any sort of response at all! Here’s the delightfully succinct letter:

“Dear Jade:

Thank you for your Hidden Pictures submission, “Lemurs.”

I am returning this illustration to you. The editors felt that it does not meet the needs of our publication.

Thanks for your interest in Highlights for Children.”

So heartfelt! Perhaps instead of lemurs stuffing their faces I should next try Happy Children biking with Helmets. Hmm….