Lora Bensmiller’s first children’s book grew out of finger puppets.
She bought the puppets for her mother who is a volunteer in the One to One reading program for children and likes to use props to get children interested in reading.
“The puppets get a story in my head and that night I wrote it and started drawing some pictures for it,” said Bensmiller. Her son, Joeseph, was born shortly afterwards and she didn’t get back to the book until later this year
Squeaker Goes to Grandma’s features her own brightly coloured illustrations.
“I think this book is good for infants — my son really responds, as well as for intermediate readers to read to themselves and adults to read to children,” said Bensmiller, a poet, songwriter and music teacher.
She grew up in Armstrong, then worked in Vancouver at the Arts Club Theatre with Denis Simpson of Polka Dot Door fame — she dedicated the book to him. She moved back to the area and is now teaching music and adapting the book as a musical.
“I’ve had a great response to the book and I feel really good about it,” she said.
Squeaker Goes to Grandma’s is available at Coles, Bookland and Vernon Teach and Learn.
Bensmiller will be signing copies of the book Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Vernon Teach and Learn, Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Casa de Mario’s, and Jan. 28 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Vernon library.
