Sisters author books with ‘Two Girls and a Reading Corner’

MADISON – Two Madison sisters are writing books in a customized workspace they call “Two Girls and a Reading Corner.” Another writer is close by — their mother.

Sisters Alexandra ‘Lulee’ Grace and Brynlea Hope have co-authored the book, “If the Green Grass Was Jell-O.” Brynlea also illustrated the book. Both students at Madison Elementary School, Alexandra, 11, is in sixth grade and Brynlea, 7, is a second-grader.

“When I say we’re local authors, we are literally from here,” mom Mandy Leigh said. “My grandmother was born off Gooch Lane and cheered at Madison elementary when it was a high school. My oldest daughter, 22, also went to Madison elementary.”

Alexandra and Brynlea have named their bedroom’s cozy, unique reading corner, “Two Girls and a Reading Corner.” The nook was built especially for shelving their special books. Mandy Leigh joins her daughters there for ‘live’ bedtime stories.

This trio has conducted book readings and signings locally, including Sallie’s Whistlestop Sweet Shop; La Petite Academy; Madison elementary; and 2nd & Charles, one outlet for their books. They also do live readings on Facebook to support other authors, along with hosting “Warm Your Heart Wednesdays” and “Fun Fact Fridays.”

Authors send signed copies of their books to Alexandra and Brynlea. “We read those in their reading corner, live on Facebook and get the word out about their books and ours,” Mandy Leigh said.

“My girls have learned a lot,” Mandy Leigh said. “They each have a passion for reading.”

The girls have watched Mandy Leigh work on steps to publish the books. Holding physical copies of their published books has engendered their passion for writing, too.

“It’s a magical feeling when your story comes to life and you share it with others and see the smile on their sweet faces,” Mandy Leigh said.

Alexandra and Brynlea are learning about the value of a dollar. They are donating to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, along with tithing, saving and earning ‘spending money.’ They also contributed to victims of Hurricane Harvey. “They have huge hearts,” Mandy Leigh said.

Mandy Leigh has a new release, “Sophie’s First Snow.” Alexandra Grace also is busy finishing her latest book.

For more information and book orders, visit twogirlsandareadingcorner.com, Facebook/Two Girls and a Reading Corner, Twitter @MandyLeigh_4 and Instagram twogirlsandareadingcorner.