Grandchildren inspire new book

There's no doubt that grandchildren are an inspiration. Martha Cooper's grandchildren inspired her to publish her first book.

Cooper considers herself to have been an artist since childhood. Last December she put her talent to work to create a lasting gift for her grandchildren.

Cooper's three grandchildren are just 17 months old, but she saw no reason to wait until they were older to present them with this gift.

Cooper published "Mimi's Garden" and its companion "Mimi's Coloring Book" two months ago.

The book's name is her name for herself. The book, she dedicated to her grandchildren.

"I have been fascinated with the life cycle of the butterfly since my kids were little," she said, "so, I put it into a book."  

The children's book is suitable for a 2, 3, or 4-year-old child or one in kindergarten or 1st grade, she said.

Cooper did all the writing and illustrations from photos she has taken of bugs, lizards, moths, frogs, etc., which she finds in her garden.

"It's a book about nature and wild things in the garden with a combination of photos and illustrations," she said.  

"I sort of backed into this. I never intended to do a book, but my husband encouraged me and I wanted to see if I could get it printed," said Cooper.

The book is available at www.amazon.com, Eden State Gardens Gift Shop, and Sundog Books at Seaside. The cost is $12.50 for "Mimi's Garden" and $8 for the coloring book.

Sundog Books is hosting a booksigning for the artist/author on July 9 from 10 a.m. - noon.

"I am excited, but I have no plans to write more at this time -- unless the subject matter presents itself," she said.