Bella Vista resident writes children’s book

When Becky Baldwin was a young girl she thought she’d pursue one of two career paths: becoming an author or an astronaut. Now 46, Baldwin said she finally made one of those dreams come true, with her feet firmly planted on the ground.

Baldwin’s book, “Bearwin’s Treasures” features Bearwin, a bear, on a journey through the forest helping his woodland friends, finding treasures and learning the importance of lending a helping hand. Baldwin, much like Bearwin, has been encouraged by her friends while pursuing her lifelong dream of writing a book.

“Theresa Walthall [illustrator of ‘Bearwin’s Treasures’] and I have been friends for the better part of 15 years,” Baldwin said. “We’ve always been that kind of friend that encouraged each other to do things. Several years ago we decided we were going to do a book together — I was going to write it and she was going to illustrate it. And a few years ago, I decided that it was time,” she added, noting the book has taken four years to complete.

Baldwin said in addition to support from Walthall, her children encouraged her to pursue her dreams of writing saying, “you’ve got dreams too, mom.” She said she’s working to make an example of acting upon her dreams for her children.

Baldwin, a preschool teacher, said she hopes “Bearwin’s Treasures” will teach young readers lessons about empathy, kindness and helpfulness.

“When you put yourself out there to be a helper to your neighbor, it comes back to you,” she said. “We reap what we sow and we find the help that we need most often when we need it the most. I hope that the little young minds can absorb that in a way that helps them to know we can pause what we’re doing and be a helper.”

Baldwin said her story is whimsical, fun and nature-based — something she feels a personal connection with. The story’s protagonists have “human-like characteristics” shaped toward teaching young readers important lessons in the midst of watercolor and adventure, she said.

Baldwin and Walthall noted the book may be the first of many collaborations as they are tinkering with the idea of creating a series based on the colorful characters presented in the story.

“Bearwin’s Treasures” is available to purchase on Amazon, walmart.com, and Barnes and Noble.

Submitted photo Written by Bella Vista resident Becky Baldwin and illustrated by McDonald County High School art teacher Theresa Walthall, “Bearwin’s Treasures” follows Bearwin through the forest, looking for treasure and helping his woodland friends.