Local author and illustrator team up to publish children’s book, will hold book signing Nov. 19
On Saturday, Nov. 19, author Vickie McEntire and illustrator Alana Kipe will present their children’s book, “Baby Birds” at the CalhounGordon County Library, located at 100 North Park Avenue in downtown Calhoun. The drop-in event runs from 10 a. m. - 1 p. m. and is an opportunity to meet the author, enjoy refreshments and purchase a chance to win a gallerywrapped canvas of the book cover signed by the artist.
Proceeds from the canvas will be donated to the Calhoun-Gordon Council for a Literate Community.
Vickie and Alana met each other at a meeting of the Calhoun Area Writers at the Harris Arts Center. “Alana brought a water color painting she had done on the back of a pizza box to a meeting,” McEntire laughs, “and I knew at first glance I wanted her to illustrate my story.”
The two got together over coffee and several months later the book was ready for print.
“I have been blessed to have three beautiful babies and watch them grow,” McEntire says. “My youngest just started college, and my first grandchild was born this year. These life transitions inspired me to write this book.”
The story follows a baby bird from birth through the many stages of growth to the eventual and inevitable leaving of the nest. Then, the cycle starts over again.
“This book beautifully captures the life of a family of birds with the use of full page watercolor illustrations,” said Pam Rhinehart, a retired educator from the Gordon County School system. She says parents will enjoy the rich vocabulary and teachers will find it has multiple uses across the curriculum in early childhood classrooms.
The book may be purchased at the book launch at the CalhounGordon County Library on Saturday, Nov. 19 or from Amazon.com.