Children’s author part of Word On The Street lineup

KALLIE GEORGE THE WRITER OF ‘HEARTWOOD HOTEL’ SERIES

Mark your calendar for Sept. 22, this year’s date for The Word On The Street — the Lethbridge Public Library’s annual literary festival. This year will mark its eighth year, and promises another great lineup of authors, panel discussions, demonstrations and workshops, live music, activities, a marketplace and food trucks. This year we also welcome children’s author Kallie George.

George’s “Heartwood Hotel” series follows the life of a mouse named Mona on her adventures in the perfectly cozy Heartwood Hotel. Mona works at the Heartwood Hotel with other staff and a colourful cast of guests and visitors. All small creatures, from bunnies to bugs and all furry and feathery fowl in between, are allowed to stay at the Heartwood Hotel, so long as they follow the rule: “We live by ‘protect and respect,’ not by ‘tooth and claw.’”

The first in the series, “Heartwood Hotel: A True Home” tells the tale of Mona’s adventurous journey of finding the hotel and learning about her family and her history. Mona goes through all sorts of terrifying escapades in the forest before finding the warm and welcoming Heartwood Hotel, a place that she can finally call home.

“Heartwood Hotel: A True Home” is followed by “Heartwood Hotel: The Greatest Gift.” Set during the animals’ version of Christmas holidays, Mona learns about gifts and the importance of helping others. New characters are introduced and adventure ensues as the Heartwood Hotel, and its guests, experience winter. Hibernation has started, and those not sleeping need to stay warm and fed during the cold, snowy nights of the season.

Animals are common characters in children’s stories and fit perfectly in the world of the Heartwood Hotel. Mona is a cute little mouse and seeing her grow in the stories is moving and encouraging. All the characters grow throughout the two tales. Each has their own background story and special place and importance at the Hotel. They have a lesson to learn, and a role to play that contributes to each story.

George does a wonderful job creating a cozy world with adorable creatures and delightful adventures. In addition to the Heartwood Hotel series, she also writes the “Magical Animal Adoption Agency” series.

George currently resides in Vancouver, and will be visiting the Lethbridge Public Library on Sept. 22 as part of The Word On The Street. The festival runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information on this year’s festival, visit thewordonthestreet.ca/lethbridge.