EASTON, Pa. — Two writers, including one who has yet to age into adolescence, will celebrate the release of their first children’s book, an exploration of one young man’s favorite places in Easton.
This Thursday, Megan Campbell and her son Finley, 7, will hold a reading for “Home is Where the Heart is,” a picture book the two co-wrote in honor of their hometown, at ThreeBirds Coffee House in the city.
Megan Campbell said the inspiration for the book came from a family trip to North Carolina, when Finley found a storybook called “Goodnight Asheville.”
"He thought it would be a great idea to write a similar book, but about his hometown, Easton, so we just sort of kind of picked a bunch of places that he loved in Easton."Megan Campbell, mother and co-author with Finley Campbell
“And he thought it would be a great idea to write a similar book, but about his hometown, Easton, so we just sort of kind of picked a bunch of places that he loved in Easton,” Campbell said.
From there, the Campbells discussed what the young scribe enjoyed about those particular places in Easton, and crafted rhyming words to make for a fun read.
Some Finley favorites include Klein Farms (“he’s been going there since he was a baby,” Campbell said) along with ThreeBirds Coffee House (“it’s a little retreat from home to do school somewhere else on Wednesdays.”)
Also, Thrive, Book & Puppet Company, and, of course, the Crayola Experience.
'You have to publish this'
According to his mom, Finley was a bit apprehensive during the initial stages of the writing process, But in the end, it helped him develop confidence and build his social skills, she said.
“I think it was a real learning experience for him because he got to interact with businesspeople and kind of had to not be shy."Megan Campbell
“At first he was a little shy because it required us to talk to businesses and get them on board with what we were doing; and get permission because we used a bunch of logos in the book,” Campbell said.
“I think it was a real learning experience for him because he got to interact with businesspeople and kind of had to not be shy.
"He’s come out of his shell a little bit in that way, but I think he feels really important and really excited about shining a light on these places that he loves.”
Once the project was done, the duo presented it to their inner circle, where it received plenty of positive feedback.
“We shared it with friends and family because it was just going to be our own little project,” Megan Campbell said. “But everyone was like, ‘You have to publish this, this is so great.'
"One of my good friends, Haley Palma, is a local illustrator, so we asked her if she wanted to help us. So she did illustrations and helped us publish it, and now it’s ready to hit the shelves.”
'A really good book'
To get the book off the ground, the Campbells launched a Kickstarter campaign to cover initial expenses. After that, they worked out a deal with Print Ninja to publish 500 copies of “Home is Where the Heart is,” and now, the publicity mini-tour begins.
The book reading and signing is set from 6 to 8 p.m. at ThreeBirds at 226 Bushkill St., where fans can meet the young author and celebrate the launch.
"Finley will be suited up because that was his other thing — he wanted to get a suit for the signing,” Campbell said.
“I think the fact that it’s done by a child makes it that much better. The illustrations are phenomenal, and the items that he picked out as being iconic to Easton is right on target. It’s a really good book,”Sal Panto Jr.
Other events are being set up for this spring, and the book will be featured at the Highmark Farmstand at the Easton Public Market, at the Belleville Market in their new children’s area starting on April 20, at Book & Puppet Company, and Thrive.
Easton Mayor Sal Panto Jr. said he intends to make an appearance at the big event at ThreeBirds and has praised Finley’s book after getting an advanced sneak peek at the publication.
“I think the fact that it’s done by a child makes it that much better," Panto said.
"The illustrations are phenomenal, and the items that he picked out as being iconic to Easton is right on target. It’s a really good book.”
'All the things you would expect'
Panto said he enjoyed spotting the Peace Candle, the Easton flag and Larry Holmes in the mix.
“It has all the things you would expect that Easton is noted for, including the Crayola Experience," Panto said. "It’s really good, and I hope to be able to make it on Thursday night.”
“I hope that not just children, but anyone visiting Easton will look at this book as a guide.”Megan Campbell
Campbell said she hopes Finley’s accomplishment inspires other children to pursue their own dreams, whether that’s writing a book or doing just about anything else.
“I hope that not just children, but anyone visiting Easton will look at this book as a guide,” Campbell said.
“Because I know a lot of people come from outside the area to visit places like the Crayola Experience, and I hope that they see this book and realize that there’s so many other places in Easton to visit and explore and discover.”
