Local Teacher Publishes Children’s Book

Do you ever have a story you can’t wait to tell others?  For me this post is one of those stories…a long one, but well worth your read!

About the Author

A friend of mine, Katherine Boll, recently published her first children’s book, Dante the Dancing Goose.  You might wonder how this is local to Lakeland so let me share my story.  Katherine has been a life-long resident of Lakeland, born, raised, and now working in Lakeland.  (It doesn’t get more local then that.)  After attending college in Georgia she moved back to Lakeland and became a Reading Resource teacher at Dixieland Elementary School.  She has a heart for every child to be able to read and more importantly understand what they are reading.  I can’t imagine teaching struggling elementary students how to read.  It has to be the job of a saint!  The greatest aspect I find in this story is the living of a dream.  She has always desired to publish a children’s book and now she is accomplishing and living out her dream.  How many of us can say we’ve done the same?

The Interview

Last week I e-mailed Katherine some questions and thought I would post the informal interview.

Q. What made you interested in writing a children’s book?
A. The first one I wrote was for my Children’s Literature class in college, and that’s when I realized I enjoyed writing. And I love children’s literature, especially poetry. My favorite age level to teach is PreK, and because of that, my mind is sort of geared towards picture books, rather than chapter books. I tend to write on a level that can be read aloud to smaller children, and independently by elementary-age kids. I’ve written 6 stories, I’m currently working on 2 more…and so far, they are all in rhyme.

Q. Where did the inspiration come from to create Dante?
A. Growing up, my parents took us to Lake Morton (the “duck lake”) to feed the birds a lot. I have always loved that lake, and I still go there to feed the birds from time to time. The geese always cracked me up – they were my favorites as a kid, and they’re still my favorites. I also grew up dancing – I took lessons at Highland School of Dance. It’s still a passion of mine, and there are so few picture books in the fine arts category. I thought it would be fun to write a story, exposing kids to some different dance styles (all of which I’ve done )…and birds were my automatic choice for characters. So while the story is based on the Lake Morton birds, it was inspired by dance as well.

Q. Do you think this might be the first in a series to come?
A. I didn’t originally have that in mind, but lately, I’ve been thinking of some ideas for more Dante books…several people have asked if it will be a series, and some have given me ideas for a sequel. It’s a possibility!

Q. Provide some information about the illustrator.
A. Brooke Green is 17, and is a junior at Seven Rivers Christian School in Citrus County, FL. Her “About the Illustrator” is also on the home page of my site.

Q. Your favorite child’s book author or child’s book?
A. I think my favorite picture book author is Mercer Mayer, and my favorite kid’s chapter book author is Roald Dahl. As for a favorite kid’s book in general, I think it is The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein.

Bonus Features

Being the supportive friend I signed up right away for multiple copies.  Well, okay maybe I was proofing the book for the first time via an electronic copy and thought to myself, “Wow this is actually really really good!”  I was sold at first site.  My nephews and nieces all have a copy and so does my son…yes even though he is still in the womb. (Can’t start reading too early.)

I found out during my interview Katherine has also put together a packet for teachers so the book can be used as an educational resource within the classroom. (Of course a teacher would think of such things.)  She has even tied the book into the State Standards and FCAT practice. The details are all on her website.

In addition to the education side Dante, the main goose,  has a page on Facebook. (This has to be new to the 21st Century.)

How Do I Get One?

If you are interested in purchasing Dante the Dancing Goose you can order hardback ($15.95) or paperback copies ($9.95) on the official website, Amazon, or Barnes & Noble.com.  I am not receiving any commission so if you mention me it will probably just get you a smile from Katherine.  I do endorse, recommend, and suggest if you have children, know people who have children, love to read, need a gift, like supporting local artists, or simply have a piqued curiosity after reading all this then buy the book.  It will be worth the money and help a local teacher aspiring to live her dream!