Rodgers begins adventure into world of writing books

 NICHOLS - When his parents finally allow him to do so, it becomes quite an adventure.

Stephen Thomas

Sherry Rodgers debuts her book to students at Nichols Elementary

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That’s the theme behind a new children’s book written by Nichols Elementary First Grade instructor Sherry Rodgers.

Rodgers presented her first public reading of the new book for Nichols students as a way to celebrate the book’s release.

The book, “Spencer, A Squirrel’s First Day in the Woods,” focuses on Spencer’s journey, including the many mysterious noises he’s hears coming from the other end of the woods.

“They’re frightening experiences to him,” said Rodgers, who doesn’t reveal the cause of the noises. “I leave it to the reader’s imagination.”

The story features helpful advice from Spencer’s parents, such as not talking to strangers, where he’s allowed to roam and what time he needs to return.

Rodgers said the book also teaches young readers to make goals and work toward completing them.

“Remember to set goals and work to reach them,” Rodgers told students. “I always had a dream and a goal of writing my own book. I had a goal and I reached it.”

“(Rodgers) is a great model for the children,” said Nichols principal Donna Taylor-Tabor. “She has worked hard on this book for a long time.”

Rodgers presented Taylor-Tabor with one of the first copies of the book for the Nichols Elementary library. Taylor-Tabor said it was a special autographed edition.

According to Rodgers, Nichols was the only place she was going to present her book publicly for the first time. She received cards and posters from students and had a cake party with her homeroom class.

“I’m so thankful that you were here and that you got to hear my story,” she told students.

The book was published and illustrated by Xlibris of Bloomington, Ind. Copies may be purchased online at www.xlibris.com/bookstore.

Rodgers admitted that publishing and selling a book was not the most important aspect of her endeavor. Even more than completing the work, she treasured the opportunity of reading it and showing it to her grandchildren.

“That’s the most exciting thing,” she said. “I read it to my grandchildren, and one day they’ll read it to their grandchildren.”