Gather the family at Pelindaba Downtown on August 21, 5 p.m. to celebrate a brand new picture book about kids, horses, and the magnificent San Juan Islands.
“My Champion” showcases the rugged islands of the Salish Sea in 22 original oil paintings by Susan Carnes. The story is about a 10-year-old girl and her faithful workhorse on a glorious adventure of self-discovery. In the natural arena of Driftwood Cove, wistful dreaming and child’s play turn into a clash with nature’s fury. The longing to be unbridled and run free is graced with love in this portrait of a wild heart. Master storyteller Ernest Pugh narrates the story on an accompanying CD, enlivening the vivid imagery with his expressive voice.
Educators, environmentalists, counselors, writers, artists, grandparents, parents, horse-lovers and youth speak of My Champion with enthusiasm: Maureen Dietrich, editor of Pacific Pearl Magazine, writes “Carnes’ rich, colorful illustrations weave together the story with her own profound passion for our natural environment. Upbeat and inspiring, this book speaks to young girls everywhere with kindness and understanding.” R. Ted Johnson, Chicago public school principal, describes the book as “a reflection into the fragile self-esteem of the human psyche.” Artist Sherry Smith-Bell remarks that Carnes “captures the poetic wonder of a young girl’s growth towards confidence and maturity.”
Author and artist Susan Carnes created the story from pieces of her life. Islanders know her as the former 4-H Coordinator who showcased the work of youth. Before moving to Friday Harbor, Susan was an elementary school counselor in Sweet Home and Holly Oregon, involved in issues that included self-esteem, stewardship and outdoor recreation. She worked as a counselor in mental health and taught art in the schools and communities of Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Susan and her husband raised three sons on a large Wisconsin cattle farm overlooking Lake Superior. From the time of her first art show at age nine, she drew, raised and raced horses, often winning prizes and riding champions. When she was just five years old, Susan began to ride a Percheron horse from her father’s farm team. With his power and protection, she built driftwood kingdoms along the water, and dreamed one day of writing and illustrating a book about what she had learned in the wilderness. Today, with granddaughters as models, the majesty of the Pacific Northwest as inspiration, and the understanding of a lifetime of work with children, “My Champion” is the realization of that dream.
All are invited to the book launch. Pelindaba Downtown is located at 150 First Street, Friday Harbor. For more information, visit www.skcarnes.com.
