In the Beginning - Lucy ...

As an Elementary Education major at the University of Maine at Orono, I was required to take Children's Literature. Our professor must have felt we would gain a better understanding of the craft if we took on a related assignment. So, he required that a major portion of our grade be determined from the writing, illustrating and binding of our very own children's book. I enjoyed writing, but had no artistic ability whatsoever. This was a concern, but it didn't make any difference - I was still required to do it. So I put all my creative juices to work and did the assignment!!! Her title has shifted some - originally it was called, "Lucy's Magic Boots." And that’s how, in 1977, Lucy was born! The text was written in orange ink and the drawings were very rough! But for some reason, either the professor saw potential or had pity, I received a good grade. So Lucy remained with my college memoirs.

As I moved into my teaching career, primarily with children in grades Pre-K through 6, Lucy moved from my college memoirs to my teaching materials shelf. I read her story to class after class, and students always seemed to enjoy the antics of the boots, despite the rough drawings and handmade pages. This continued throughout my teaching career of 25-ish years.

Then in 2015, my classroom season ended, and I began tutoring with the same level of zeal that I had taught in the classroom. Lucy came along, and every child heard her story - and whenever possible, she helped me to encourage them in their writing skills. Occasionally, I would suggest that the students write their own book, using Lucy as an example. Perhaps because the drawings and the print was so simple and rough, students were somewhat inspired by the book.

One day, around 2021, while teaching a precious girl named Ellie, I brought Lucy along. As I read the story, I noticed the pages were worn and the binding was coming apart. "I need to get this book rebound," I said thoughtfully to Ellie. Then, a still small voice inside spoke up, "No, you need to get it published!" I laughed at the thought. Publishing Lucy had never crossed my mind. But the idea refused to leave. The seed was planted.

At this point I need to give a little personal history. As you browse my website, you'll discover that I write poetry, primarily with a spiritual tone. As a young girl I also wrote poetry - but more from the perspective of a young girl - interested in the environment, holidays and such. I was also a fan of a teen heartthrob named Bobby Sherman, and wrote a poem about him. After reading it to my mom, she looked at me with an almost prophetic expression, and declared with confidence: "One day, you'll be a writer!" Those words have stayed with me for all these years.

For many years I assumed those words referred to poetry, devotionals, and other writing projects. I never imagined they might also include a little children’s story that had been sitting quietly on a shelf since 1977.

Fast forward to 2026. I currently work in missions at my church and was doing some research and writing involving AI. I mentioned in the chat that one day I would like to explore the possibility of publishing my Lucy book. On May 16, 2026, I celebrated my 70th birthday while serving on a mission trip in El Salvador. Just after midnight the following day, Lucy and Her Boots officially became available on Amazon. Nearly fifty years after she was written, Lucy was finally published. And that … my friends … was the beginning of Lucy and Her Boots!

Looking back, I never could have imagined that a college assignment from 1977 would one day become a published children’s book. I am grateful to the many children, friends, family members, and readers who encouraged Lucy along the way. And yes — there will be more Lucy adventures coming soon!

You can purchase Lucy and Her Boots here:

https://a.co/d/00DYWqBi