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Suzie Young never planned to write a book. Then one morning, upon waking up from a vivid dream, she told her husband she needed to write a book about a little girl named Hannah McNoodle.
“It was a clear message I took to heart and have no idea where it came from,” Young said.
That message became “Hannah McNoodle,” a 32-page hardcover picture book written by Young and illustrated by Karen Heyse. Both women live in Batavia.
Here’s what to know:
The story: Hannah McNoodle is a little girl who longs to come to life and make the world a happier place. The book is aimed at kids ages 4-8 and illustrated with hand-painted watercolors. Young said it felt important to bring Hannah to life first, before writing about any of her adventures.
A family project: Young’s granddaughters, Emma and Lila, were 11 and 9 when she shared the idea. The three brainstormed together, and the two girls helped shape Hannah’s personality, look, and illustrations. Emma designed the small heart character that appears throughout the book, and Lila conducted readings with Young at her elementary school. “It was a learning experience for the girls and I feel like I have given them a template they can use to publish something of their own someday,” Young said.
A Batavia Library meeting: A mutual friend connected Young, a former cartographer, with Heyse, who started out as a muralist. The two first met at the Batavia Public Library. Young was drawn to Heyse’s whimsical, hand-drawn watercolor style and the fact that she doesn’t use digital art. Heyse’s illustrations appear in other published books like “Goodnight St. Louis” and “Good Morning Door County.”
Where to find it: Young self-published the book and launched it through her website this fall. Copies signed by both Young and Heyse are available at Town House Books in St. Charles, and you can also order directly at hannahmcnoodle.com for $18.95.
Young and Heyse worked on the book off and on for a couple of years — and it’s possible that Hannah’s story isn’t quite finished.
“We have several story ideas and adventures in mind for Hannah now that she’s here,” Young said.
📖 Thanks for reading
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