The Milo (Prince Edward Island) woman’s 36-page children’s book, “There’s Poo on My Shoe”, is the story of a little girl named Emily and her first adventure on Pioneer Farm.
“There’s Poo on My Shoe” is illustrated by Huntley artist Debbie Horne.
“It has an educational component with certain characteristics of each animal coming through to help Emily solve her dilemma, which is a poo-covered shoe,” Bertling explains. “Mostly though, the book is just a lot of fun,” she added
“Children enjoy a good rhyming story, and since this is based on real animals, it has double appeal,” said Bertling who is preparing for the official launch of her book at the Summerside Farmers’ Market this Saturday, Dec. 4.
There will be a book reading by the author in the children’s corner at 10 a.m. and a book-signing will follow.
There are also readings planned for the Alberton Library on Dec. 7, 7 p.m.; O’Leary Library, Dec. 9, 2:30 p.m.; O’Leary Community Hospital at noon Dec. 10; and at Indigo Book Store in Charlottetown on Dec. 11, 11 a.m.
The West Prince Arts Council’s sponsorship support helped cover some of the cost of publication.
Bertling suggests parents will also enjoy “There’s Poo on My Shoe”, especially if they tap into their childhood memories of life on a farm.
She admits inspiration for the book came from the animals on her eco-friendly farming operation.
Horne has contributed drawings to a number of community projects and heritage books in the past but this is her first experience as an illustrator for a children’s book.
“I enjoyed the opportunity to work on this project and I have learned a lot about the process,” she said.
She used watercolour pencils to add visualization to the characters and scenes in the story.
Pictures of the real animals featured in the story are found at the back of the book.
The book can be purchased at the reading and book-signing locations, or ordered online by visiting Trafford Publishing at Trafford.ca.
Journal Pioneer
