Contact: Dustin Barnes
STARKVILLE, Miss.--The collaborative effort among a Mississippi State education professor, Columbus librarian and two alumni of the university is a new addition to the world of children's literature.
"My Little Story Book II," which chronicles the adventures of Kathleen Cat and her animal friends, recently was completed by Nancy Verhoek-Miller of the department of curriculum and instruction and Edwina Williams of Columbus.
Williams, a children's librarian at the Columbus-Lowndes Public Library, long has been recognized throughout the Golden Triangle area for her continuing, full-costumed role as "Mother Goose," the fictitious author of 18th century English children's books.
A year in the making, the 22â¢page edition is published by the MSU-based Early Childhood Institute and printed by the university's Learning Center.
Verhoek-Miller said the book was designed to promote both learning activities and lessons of friendships among early childhood-aged children.
"This book shows how much we love children and wish to do what we can to help them with literacy," she added. "The stories can be used in a variety of settings.
Divided into six short stories, each tale demonstrates a "friendly value." At the conclusion of each section, a collection of story-sharing tips and extension activities are provided to further involve and increase the reading interests of young readers.
The extension activities were designed by Cathy Grace, the Early Childhood Institute's award-winning director.
Verhoek-Miller said the North Mississippi Child Care Resource and Referral System is planning to distribute copies of "Little Stories" throughout the Gulf Coast area as part of shelter packets.
Artwork was provided by Verhoek-Miller and MSU alumna Rosann Daniels of Tupelo. MSU alumnus Stephen Westerfield of Brandon designed the publication with assistance from the Learning Center staff.
In addition to the illustrations and stories, the book's creators added blank pages at the end for drawing and writing. "I want the children to look at my artwork and think 'Hey, I can do that,'" Verhoek-Miller explained.
"Edwina and I had such fun writing the stories, and we want children to share in that experience," she said.
Verhoek-Miller said she is already working on the next installment of animal stories.
NEWS EDITORS/DIRECTORS: For additional information, contact Dr. Verhoek-Miller at (662) 325-3747 or nverhoek-miller@colled.msstate.edu.