The South Central Regional Library Altona branch hosted their annual Family Literacy Pajama Party on Jan. 25 in honour of Family Literacy Day.
As always, kids were encouraged to put on their jammies, grab their stuffies, and hang out at the library to hear some stories and celebrate the joys of reading.
This year’s guest reader was local author Laura Siemens, who read from her brand new book, Sophia’s Suitcase.
The book focuses on a little girl named Sophia who is going on vacation. Unfortunately, Sophia’s suitcase won’t be going with her. Through a series of happy accidents and helpful people, this suitcase is about to see the beauty of Western Canada. The big question is: can Sophia’s Suitcase find its way back to her?
The author is from the Horndean area, where she is a stay-at-home mom, avid reader, and amateur baker. Growing up she had a very wild imagination and has now channeled that into writing adventurous and silly children’s books.
“I’ve always loved writing,” Siemens says. “It was always a secret dream in my heart to have a published book. I always thought it would be a great epic tale. But when this idea for a children’s book popped into my head, I thought, that would be great too.”
The book was published last November on Amazon.
“Publishing this way is not as complicated as people think, but there are challenges along the way,” Siemens shares. “The hardest part is getting the formatting right. There is also a lot of work involved in marketing and promotion.”
Sophia’s Suitcase was illustrated by Altona artist Jozanna Loewen, who says she was thrilled to be a part of it. In fact, the main character is named after her daughter.
Meanwhile, Siemens says she and Loewen are already planning more books.
“We’re going to stay in the children’s realm. It’s so fun and you can just be silly with it.”
