And the winner of the cross-marketing book contest is....

Boni Ashburn for her HUSH LITTLE DRAGON entries! Congratulations, Boni! The world's only instant pets will be on their way to delight and entertain you and your family very soon! When your Sea Monkeys hatch, please do let us know if they grow up looking like this: This amazing Queen of the Sea Monkeys was painted by the incredibly talented artist Travis Louie.

And now for my favorite Sea Monkey cautionary tale…a few years ago my 4 adorable nieces were raising their own frolicsome colony of Sea Monkeys, and just like the advertisement claimed, these “most adorable pets” were bringing smiles and laughter and fun into their home.

That is, until tragedy struck on Pancake Sunday.

For some inexplicable reason, the pancake making ritual is one that never grows old with young children. My bright-eyed, hungry nieces were gathered around the hot griddle watching the flesh-colored batter bubble and rise, when adorable niece #3 - pictured here in disguise to protect her identity-


knocked over the bowlful of happiness that was placed in an ill-fated location on the kitchen counter - just inches away from the electrified skillet.

If you think you know where this story is headed, you’re right.

The idyllic Pancake Sunday scene took a very ugly, horrifying turn as dozens of innocent Sea Monkeys popped and sizzled and steamed on the hot griddle. Amid the screams of my young nieces, several futile attempts were made to save the tiny victims with a sticky spatula, but of course, it was too late. They were cooked…or grilled, if you will.

The Bisquick and Brine Massacre story is legendary in our family – likely to be passed on for generations to come. So, it’s true. These playful pets really can, and do, bring smiles and laughter into your home.

Thanks to everyone who participated in the contest!