My dad and I just published our first children's book! Remember My New Year's Goals? Well, that was one of them. It feels good to have worked so hard at something special with my dad and to see it print!
Dad is someone special himself. He loves children's books, and he knows how important it is to read aloud to kids. The photo above shows him reading Santa Came a Day Late to some of his grandkids before he approached me about illustrating his story. I believe he is the coolest elementary school principal there ever was.
After 6 years of being the Superintendent of Schools, he decided it was time to go back to be with the kids. He knew that he could make more of a positive influence in their lives as a school principal. And that is where he as been for the last 26 years. His students will remember him dressed as Santa walking around on top of their school, riding INTO the school on a motorcycle on "black and white" day to give a math lesson with Oreos, picking them up from their classroom on their birthday to take them to the lunchroom in a wagon, and of course, reading stories to them.
Every year that all of his children and grandchildren visit him at Christmas, he secretly puts on his Santa suit, sneaks outside, and waits til his grandchildren spot him. They call him in, he makes sure they have been good, and then he hands out presents. (Funny how each year his beard and glasses cover more of his face so he is not easily recognized!) For this book, I asked him to put on the costume one more time, so that I could paint him as the real Santa in the story. So, when you see the paintings in the book, it is my dad posing. :) I don't think he realized what he was getting into when he asked me to illustrate the story!
When I was a little girl, my mom woke me up in the middle of the night to see "Santa" putting presents under the Christmas tree. I had a hard time convincing my friends in second grade that Santa was REAL because I had seen him in my house in the middle of the night! Not only is he such a fun principal, dad, and grandfather, he is a deeply spiritual man with a great love for his Savior, Jesus Christ.
I am excited to share our book with you! For more details, visit, my etsy shop. For local purchases, contact me directly via email at robynandscott @juno.com
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Congratulations Robyn! What a wonderful milestone! Best wishes for continued success!
ReplyDeleteHow fantastic! Gorgeous illustrations. Your kids are so fortunate to have such a talented grandfather and mother. Wishing you lots of success with the book (and any future publications).
ReplyDeleteRobin, this is AWESOME! What an accomplishment and you did a lovely job with your paintings as usual. How cool! I hope your kids are all getting signed copies from you and Santa this year!
ReplyDeleteWOW Robin, congratulations!! That is an amazing accomplishment. The illustrations look so beautiful and I love the stories about your dad. He seems like a great guy!!
ReplyDeleteAwesome! So exciting to see your dream come true! I love that Grace and Ty are in the book, too!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!!! What a wonderful gift you and your dad created for your family! It will be loved for many many generations. I love the story of your parents. It really explains why you are who you are. Thanks for being such a wonderful person! You are amazing!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! This is so cool and you are so talented.
ReplyDeleteI happened to work for the coolest elementary principal ever for many years and I wholeheartedly agree with your assessment. I am so proud to buy your book for my grand kids this Christmas. Your Dad is one of my favorite people and your talent abounds as well!
ReplyDeletePam Richau (teacher from Mr. Bowman's school in Billings, Montana)
Thank you Pam!
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