Valentine's Day book by children's author teaches responsibility

Feb. 14—TICONDEROGA — Peaches the Squirrel goes to "The Sweethearts Dance" is the latest book by Ticonderoga author-artist Shaundra Bartlett.

The new children's book about Peaches is out with a Valentine's Day theme from Little Table Books.

"Peaches is a little girl squirrel who has an innocent heart and the same thought process and emotions as a human child, and learns how to navigate emotions and handle situations that life presents to her," Bartlett said in an interview. "It is important to me that my books not only delight readers, but that they have a powerful message, serving as a thought-provoking learning experience."

In "The Sweethearts Dance" Peaches must care for an injured loved one at the risk of missing the Valentine's Day dance she was looking forward to.

LEARNING LIFE SKILLS

Peaches learns about responsibility, empathy, and sacrifice at the dance.

"I like to think that Bartlettberry Briar books help adults shape children into good people, or at the very least introduce them to coping tools and people skills that will start them out in the right direction," Bartlett said.

This is the fifth book about the little squirrel who lives in Bartlettberry Briar.

The others are "Peaches Bakes A Pie," "It's the Spirit of Christmas, Peaches!," "A Feather for Dill," and "Happy Birthday, Peaches!"

"I wrote my first book, 'Peaches Bakes A Pie,' in 2016 and have been creating books faithfully ever since," she said. "On average it takes me a year and a half from start to finish. I am a self-taught watercolorist and work traditionally in pen, ink, and watercolor- no digital illustrations."

Bartlett is working on her sixth book, an ABCs book due out during the 2024 Holiday Season.

"I am inspired by the memories of my own childhood, both in personal experiences growing up and the books and works of art of my era," Bartlett said. "My artwork is influenced by the works of Walt Disney, Stan and Jan Berenstain, Richard Scarry, A.A. Milne, and Tony Hutchings."

AWARD WINNER

Her books have won several awards.

"I am so flattered that my work and creativity were acknowledged with the Mom's Choice Award, for not one, but two books, 'Happy Birthday, Peaches!' being the other recipient. This award receives submissions from 60 countries all over the world, and this is a huge personal victory for me."

She also has two Purple Dragonfly awards recognizing the best in children's books.

Bartlett does it all to produce her books, working out of a home studio. She holds degrees in public communications from the College of Saint Rose and in graphic design from Sage College of Albany.

"Not only do I write and illustrate my stories, I am the graphic artist, layout designer, and cover designer," she said. "I am one-thousand-percent involved in the creation of one of my books from start to finish. I decided it was time for me to expand my skills and knowledge and learn about the publishing end of the industry."

Her previous books were published by Saratoga Springs Publishing, but for "The Sweethearts Dance" she created her own publishing company, Little Table Books.

"I began my adventures in illustrating as a very small child at a tiny table in my parents' kitchen," Bartlett explained. "When I began teaching myself how to paint in 2014, I again found myself at a kitchen table, this time with my beloved little orange cat forever at my side. I incorporated both the little table and Smuckers (the cat) into the logo, which I found to be a fitting tribute to my feline muse."

SCHOOL VISITS

She has a full spring schedule of book signings and elementary school visits lined up to talk about Peaches.

"I'm enjoying my elementary school author visits," she said. "My favorite part of being an author and illustrator is doing school visits. My school enrichment programs are not only educational but fun.

"I love having the ability to take it a step further than typical author visits and bring a creative element to my time with students," she continued. "I'm able to offer students a professional look at the book creation process, as well as feature a literary and writing component, and I ignite creativity with an interactive drawing demonstration."

Bartlett is at bartlettberrybriar@gmail.com for event inquiries and to book elementary school author visits, and on Instagram @bartlettberrybriar for behind-the-scenes videos of the creation of her books.

Bartlett's books are available at the official Bartlettberry Briar website, bartlettberrybriarbooks.com. All books ordered there are signed and dedicated by the author.