We’ve heard this one before.
Recently, Melissa Prior (the professional photographer whom I hire to take photos of my picture book illustrations) reached out to me with a great story. Melissa shared that she had given a copy of Huck, Chuck, & Bruce: At the Shore as a baby gift to a church friend.
Here’s a text sent to Melissa by her friend.
“Melissa!!! ... I have been meaning to text you for months ‘cause I think of you often when we read this book. (Child’s name) is OBSESSED with Huck, Chuck, & Bruce: At the Shore. We read it every day, and we’ve even had to tape pages back together because of the ‘love’ it’s gotten. 😂 You will have to tell Nan! (We’re) currently at the beach, and you probably can guess what she brought along.”
Photo credit: A young mother who understands the importance of books and reading!
John and I have heard variations of this story before. At festivals and shows, we typically sell multiple copies of this book to folks who either need a baby shower gift or to those who are awaiting the arrival of a grandchild. (And yes, I always bring a few books already wrapped to these events because, unlike me, not everyone loves wrapping presents.)
It never gets old hearing that little ones enjoy the three feathered friends in Huck, Chuck, & Bruce: At the Shore. And I’m over-the-moon thrilled to receive reports from families who live all over the world claiming that this is the first book their child can read independently.
Yippee! Mission accomplished.
So grateful. So blessed.
Writing and illustrating books for children—seriously, the best “job” in the world.