Thursday, October 15, 2020

The Adventurous Squirrels of Cool Waters Cove

 




It is with great pleasure that I present to you today a fabulous author with a fabulous book. Today's BOOK OF THE DAY, "The Adventurous Squirrels of Cool Waters Cove" by Steve Whysel is a must-read for all children and adults. When I first came across this author, I knew he had something special in his book, but what I didn't know was that he is 81-years-old as a first-time author. He wrote this book for his grandchildren, and I must say it is adorable.  Here is another hook, the illustrator, Quinn Chavez is fifteen years-old. Take a look at the book, and meet the author.

The Adventurous Squirrels of Cool Waters Cove: A Children’s Animal Picture Book for Ages 2-8.

by Steve L Whysel  (Author), Quinn Chavez (Illustrator)

 


Enjoy the adventures of a fun-loving squirrel family who join an all-animal forest circus. They learn that animals of different colors and sizes can have fun together, and their confidence in themselves grows by practicing their circus arts—important lessons for children ages 2 to 8.



 






Tell your readers a little about yourself, where you grew up, where you live now, where you went to school etc. Let them get to know the personal you.

I grew up in a middle-class neighborhood in Brooklyn, NY, and graduated from James Madison H.S. I graduated with a BA degree from Adelphi University in Garden City, NY.

I attended Brooklyn Law School and then went into the US Air Force Reserves, honorably discharged six years later. My professional life included time in the automotive industry as a Volkswagen dealer, an antiques & art retailer, an auction company proprietor, the inventor and C.E.O. of the first all-fiberglass travel trailer, the PLAYPAC, light enough to be pulled behind a VW “Bug,” a lecturer on Art & Antiques for Continuing Education classes, a sales & marketing manager in the retirement industry and finally in my 81st year a children’s book author. He has volunteered for a number of non-profits.


What inspired you to author your book? 

Steven is married to Wendy Whysel and resides in Florida. He has three children and seven grandchildren. As a young father and grandfather, he has loved telling stories to his loved ones extemporaneously.

During the COVID Pandemic, his wife and muse Wendy convinced him to put one of his stories into print form finally.



Where did you get the inspiration for your book’s cover?

On the book’s cover, I wanted prospective readers to understand how beautifully illustrated the book was.


Who has been the most significant influence on you personally and as a writer?

I have had many people influence me personally, but those that stand out would be my father, my wife Wendy, and my children. Historical novelists like John Meachem and David McCullough are some of my favorites authors, and of course, Dr. Seuss books by (Theodor Seuss Geisel).

 

What were your struggles or obstacles you had to overcome to get this book written?

The biggest struggle to get this book written was the financial cost to publish and then to market. Fortunately, my search for funding led me to the “crowdfunding” site Kickstarter. Due to the generosity of many donors, who believed in me, I reached my funding goal.


 

Tell your readers about your book.

The Adventurous Squirrels of Cool Waters Cove is about a squirrel family living in a forest who join an all animal forest circus. Not only do they and the reader have a fun-filled adventure, but they learn some valuable lessons during that experience. They learn that animals of different colors and sizes can have fun together, and that practice builds their confidence to try new activities. Important lessons for kids ages 2-8.



Who is your target audience, and why?

My target audience is children, ages 2-8.



If you were going to give one reason for anyone looking at your book to read, why should they buy it?

One should buy this book because it combines a rare combination of fun while delivering important positive messages.

What do you consider your greatest success in life?

In the great majority of instances, my greatest success in life is to build the confidence, trust, and friendship of people I have met from all different walks of life and in all different parts of the country.

What one unique thing sets you apart from other writers in your genre?

What sets me apart from most other writers in my genre is, I believe, my ability to see and verbalize this story in the eyes of a 5-year-old. I have heard my wife tell me on many occasions, “ stop acting like a child!!!” How I found my 15-year-old Illustrator was unique in itself.

Overcoming writer’s block took many different paths, all leading to getting up from my desk, taking some deep breaths, possibly listening to birds sing, speaking with a friendly squirrel, or practicing mediation.

What piece of advice do you have for new authors?

As far as advice to new authors, Don’t hesitate to ask friends and family for advice but don’t directly ask for money, if it’s offered that’s something else. There are ways to raise funds through sources like Crowd Funding.

Tell your readers anything else you want to share.

I am happy to provide at no charge a full video of my story, verbalized by the sweetest sounding Englishwoman, to non-profits. When the Pandemic is no longer a threat, I would be happy to tell my story, in person, to any group interested within reasonable travel distance.

That’s it for now, thank goodness.

ILLUSTRATOR


Quinn Chavez 


Quinn is a self-taught artist who started drawing digitally in 2015. His favorite subjects to draw are animals, particularly reptiles. He uses different mediums to draw. He lives in California with his family.

To illustrate the book, Quinn answered an ad on Craig’s list.