Local author’s book takes children on an adventure
Sharks aren’t a common topic of discussion — not in southern Alberta.
That’s one reason Lethbridge author Cameron Flaig has made a large, colourful shark the focus of his first published book for children.
“I like to write about animals you don’t usually see,” he says.
His richly illustrated book, “Sharks Do Hang Ten,” is aimed at readers aged five to nine. But on Saturday, Flaig will be welcoming young readers and other family members to a book signing, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Chapters.
“I’ve written about 70 stories” over recent years, he says.
He’s shared many of them with children as a volunteer at the Family Centre.
“My grandfather taught me to write,” he explains.
He was Lloyd Flaig, a longtime teacher and principal in the city’s public schools. Cameron remembers his grandfather’s repertoire of short stories told around a campfire.
Recognizing young readers’ attention spans, Flaig says he tries to capture their interest in creatures and places they haven’t likely seen.
“You never know what you’ll bump into” when you look for adventure, he points out.
But that’s how children learn about new people, places, animals and other things.
With the success of his first printed volume, he’s working on getting another story into print.
While his current book is set in the tropics, Flaig says his next will take readers to Africa.
Along with local designer Mitch Lawson, he was able to find a local printing company ready to produce “Sharks Do Hang Ten,” and they found a Lethbridge illustrator — who uses “Cirrus Stone” as a pen name — to create the book’s vivid images.
“I’m always thinking of new stories,” Flaig says, and he searches the internet for details that can bring them to life.
But he’s active in other pursuits as well. Along with his volunteer role at Family Centre, Flaig accepts invitations to read with children in local elementary schools and to speak on behalf of several advocacy groups.
He’s also bilingual, a member of several athletic groups and — despite experiencing seizures throughout his life — Flaig also plays several musical instruments.
And although he’s become well-known throughout Lethbridge, he’s looking forward to meeting new people on Saturday.