Can I send my picture book to multiple pubs at the same time??

I am working on finishing my book. Its a rhyming picture story book, and I am reading the new 2008 childrens writers and illustrators market book (great book by the way). I have been using it, but cant seem to find my answer.

Can I send, or Should I send my story to more than one publisher at a time? Is that not the right thing to do?

Many of the publishers DONT even tell you if they are going to pub you book for months, that would be seen (to me) as wasted time that another pub could be looking at it. I dont want to do the wrong thing.

I also and NOT assuming that if I send it to all of these publishers at the same time that ANY of them will want it. It's just that I want to do the right thing.

Any help would be greatly app.

Also, anyone recommend the purchase of these two books:

How to Write and Sell Children's Picture books by Larl 1994 (seems to me that it's kinda dated"

OR

You Can Write Children's Books by Dils 1998

Thanks

Brian

So I would be able to send to different pubs, just let them know that that is the case? Ok, thanks a bunch!!


Hypothetically speaking, what would happen if more the ONE pub responded and liked my work?