Becoming a mother has allowed Bonnyville's Mandy Hunter to pursue a longtime passion to become a published children's author.
“This is something I've wanted to do for as long as I can remember,” said Hunter, who was raised in the Lac La Biche area, but has called Bonnyville home since moving here in 1996. “Once I became a mother and decided to stay at home with the baby, I finally had the time and ability to try and pursue my passion … and get something published.”
Hunter's impressive new children's picture book is called Bug Crazy. The 20-page, full colour book was published in July through the American-based online publishing company called Authorhouse.
Last Wednesday, Hunter received a warm response to her first published work as she read Bug Crazy to a responsive crowd of three dozen enthusiastic preschool children and their parents at the Bonnyville Municipal Library.
Hunter, 25, said response to her book has been exceptional.
“I've done a couple of readings already at the library in Cold Lake and now I'm doing it here at the library in Bonnyville and the response from the children and parents has been fantastic,” she said.
On Dec. 10 at Lots-a Books on Main Street in Cold Lake, Hunter will be signing copies of Bug Crazy and reading to children between 1-3 p.m.
Bug Crazy tells the story of a bug-loving little boy who brings some crawly creatures into his parent's house and hides them, much to the consternation and concern of his mother and sister.
“In the end, the little boy decides his love of bugs should just become a hobby,” she said.
Hunter said she has loved writing, illustrating and singing for as long as she can remember.
“I come from a very artistic family,” she said. “My dad, Dorian Plamandon, has dabbled in art his entire life and every member of my family is creative in one way or another.
“I grew up loving to sing and play music and I still do a lot of singing. Being able to do all of the drawings and get this book published is something I've been working on and dreaming about for some time, so it is exciting and rewarding.”
The reaction she receives from children when reading her book never gets old, she said.
“The kids' reaction is something you never get tired of,” she said. “Children are so innocent so they're not afraid to ask me some pretty crazy questions about the book and the characters. Sadly the world is lacking the innocence that children possess … we can all learn so much from children.”
Because the reaction to Bug Crazy has been so positive, Hunter said she plans on producing and publishing several more children's picture books in the coming years.
“I just love the process and getting my work published and having the children enjoy my work has been very gratifying,” she said.
Anyone wishing to order a copy of Bug Crazy can do so by going online at authormandyhunter.com.
The book is also available at Chapters and Barnes and Noble outlets or you can contact Hunter via email at [email protected]
