Tales of Spring Valley: 'The Beginning'

Tales of Spring Valley: 'The Beginning' is book one of a two volume set exploring a ranching lifestyle, now rapidly disappearing from the world. The book introduces the four animal friends: Pierre the 'boss' cat, Roo the amazing cattle dog, Finnegan the kind, gentle pony, and Blackie a bouncy, brave young collie.
Young readers will discover the roles each animal plays in the life of the ranch. The animals share their observations in short stories, with full-color illustrations to enhance the text. A full-page map guides readers as they follow the animals around the ranch and the valley. The main character Pierre the 'boss' cat, shares six stories; the other three animals each have one story to tell.
Quiet, gentle humor, adventure and traditional values are the framework for this collection.

Sharon L. McGraw
Bio: BFA, B.Ed.
Alberta Artist 45 years, author-illustrator, teacher,
mother of four, grandmother of nine.

How did I end up writing and illustrating books for children?

Have you ever wondered what animals think? Or what they would say if they could speak? We rarely hear from the animals in books. Over the years as I dreamed of creating my own children's books, I began to plan how to answer these questions. I have also been intrigued with the idea of re-capturing first-time moments in childhood.

I was raised in a flower shop and spent weekends riding and showing an Anglo-Arab horse. Cats and dogs have also been a welcome part of my life. I married a mischievous cowboy and spent seventeen years as a ranch wife raising four kids and Black Angus cattle. My days were filled with hilarity and many memorable moments. Somehow, I found time to teach art and do my own paintings. A family move north to another rural location led me to teach public school Art and English in two small towns.

Now in my mid-sixties, the time for crafting my own illustrated books of stories and poetry for children has finally arrived. Eight wonderful grandchildren provide a delightful source of inspiration for both writing and painting. Currently three books are being worked on, with plans for others. Teacher/parent resources are being developed for the poetry collections.

My life has been filled with amazing children and wonderful animals. Now in Tales of Spring Valley, we can finally discover what the animals are thinking. Through the light-hearted poetry collection, [poems and illustrations being finalized], we revisit many of childhood's first-time experiences. Teacher/parent resources are being developed for the poetry collections.