Guess What? books by Nancy O'Neill become a children's series

TEMECULA, Calif. - Dec. 2, 2013 - PRLog -- Guess What? That's the question for young children as they read these fun, new books written by Nancy O'Neill and illustrated by Kids Around the World. Guess What books are designed for ages 3-6 and written in four-line rhyming clues that lead children on a fun guessing game and learning experience. The clues describe fun facts about people, places, and things within a specific theme for each book.

What makes these books so unique is that the colorful illustrations are done by Kids Around the World. After O'Neill finishes the manuscript for each book, she opens up a worldwide art contest which usually runs for several months. Once the deadline has passed and the submissions are in, she has the difficult task of selecting just thirteen illustrations needed for the book. The contests are open to kids ages 5-17.

The first and second books in the series, Guess What is on Grandpa's Farm? and Guess What is at the North Pole? were released in 2012. Guess What is at the Zoo? followed close behind in the fall of 2013. O'Neill is excited that the first three books have featured illustrations by young artists in Australia, India, Hawaii, Pennsylvania, California, Colorado, and Texas.

The fourth book, Guess What is in Grandma's Garden? is scheduled for a late spring/early summer release which means the next kids art contest will be open in January 2014. Submission guidelines will be available at http://www.guesswhatbooks.com as soon as the contest opens. The best way to get immediate updates is to subscribe to O'Neill's newsletter.

Guess What books help kids express their creativity and explore opportunities they may never have considered. A couple of the young artists have gone on to illustrate for other authors. Some have become celebrities in their home towns. And for many, becoming a published illustrator has given them a boost of confidence.

At a time when the education system has cut out so many creative programs, this is one way that O'Neill can keep the spark alive. Part of the proceeds from the books help support Rady Children's Hospital in San Diego, California and at Christmas, Guess What? books are donated to the children.