Community - How Brenda Austin Childers' Picture Book Took A Village To Make

Brenda Austin Childers' dream to write a children's book came to fruition at preschool storytimes at Alexander County Library on June 3 and June 6!  Her book, Rowdy The Runaway Pony, is an easy read tale illustrated by one of my teen library participants, Jessica Ferretiz.  Jessica also illustrated my book, Ms. Mel's Wide Mouth Frog. 

Dale Clary of Carris Reels, author Brenda Austin Childers, and illustrator, Jessica Ferretiz.

Dale Clary of Carris Reels brought his grandson, Cooper (pictured), along with his daughter Maegan and granddaughter , Raegan.  Printings of the book were made possible by a grant from Dale Clary's community grant committee and Carris Reels.

The children were given craft supplies to make their own Rowdy hand puppet.

                                                



The children show off their Rowdy puppets.

                                                             

 In addition, Alexander Central High School teacher, Mary Beth White, translated the book into Spanish making the book accessible to our Hispanic population. 

Rowdy has been printed by The Taylorsville Times and a copy given to each child at the Tuesday and Friday storytimes. Copies will be available to check out at Alexander County Library and Bethlehem Branch. 

So excited to see it all come together!  What story do you have to tell?

Mel