Marcia Coons’ books satisfy a child’s whimsy, nurture reading

MADISON – Madison author Marcia Coons has published two more children’s books and has no intention of slowing down.

Coons’ latest works are “Sleepy Goat & Lullaby Boat” and “Itty Bitty Monster.” She has copyrighted seven more stories and is working on another book with an end-of-year release.

Her children’s books underscore the high importance of parents reading to their children until the child can read alone. “I dream of writing books that children want to read again and again until the pages are well worn, and they can recite all words from memory,” Coons said.

“These stories just come to me . . . like a big thought; then I write them down,” she said. Coons envisions the illustrations and then creates that image on paper.

Her artwork keeps a whimsical style. “Children’s minds are so creative and imaginative. It’s a great compliment when I’m told my books are child-like.”

“My books are not perfect, because life is not perfect. I’m not afraid to be silly,” Coons said.

Coons hopes parents will read her books “to their babies, grandbabies and young children. Every book read aloud helps increase the child’s vocabulary and language development; the bonding time is a big bonus. My stories rhyme with sing-song cadence and fun to read aloud.”

Her “Sleepy Goat & Lullaby Boat” is a bedtime story. (G.O.A.T. abbreviates ‘Greatest of All Time.’) Billy, a little goat, experiences an exciting day playing outside, imagining, writing and jumping in puddles. However, at bedtime, Billy is too wired to fall asleep.

“His mom reads a story — actually THIS book – that takes him off to sleep on the Lullaby Boat,” Coons said.

Her other book, “Itty Bitty Monster” emphasizes counting. Itty Bitty Monster isn’t having fun because he is only one. He plays with several monsters differing in sizes and shapes; eventually, 10 monsters are present.

The monsters ask, “Do you want to play pretend? Would you like to be our friend?” All ‘monsters’ consist of household objects; they aren’t scary.

“You can discuss that everyone needs friends. Although we’re different, we can all play together,” Coons said. Children can custom-color the monsters.

Coon’s other book in print, “The Candy Cane Rain,” shows townspeople going through the motions of Christmas. Unfortunately, they’ve forgotten the reason for celebrating.

An unexpected candy cane rain helps them remember Christmas’ real meaning. Characters have no skin or hair colors so a child can customize illustrations.

At Madison Street Festival on Oct. 1, Coons will have a booth in Crafter’s Cove. She will offer special deals and sell T-shirts, onesies, hand-painted mugs, handmade ornaments and other just-for-fun items.

“I’m excited the Madison Street Festival is coming back after two years of COVID-19 cancellation. It’s always a wonderful time to see Madison friends and neighbors, eat good food, watch a great parade, hear marching bands and enjoy being outside,” Coons said.

For more information, email blessed2blessllc3@gmail.com or visit Facebook/The Candy Cane Rain or thecandycanerain.com. Coons’ books are available at Amazon.com and blessed2blessllc.com. She self-publishes with Mirror Publishing in Fort Payne.