After years of writing poetry, 88-year-old Midland resident Bonneta Allen has published her first book. Shelby the Squirrel, a children’s picture book, came out earlier this year.
Allen wrote the story five years ago, taking the biblical parable of the Good Samaritan, putting it in rhyme and substituting forest animals for the characters. The story tells how a squirrel is injured and abandoned by his friends before a skunk comes to help him.
“The words just popped into my head,” Allen said. “I don’t really consider myself a poet. I’m just one of God’s secretaries. He gives me the words and I write them down.”
Allen initially had no intention of publishing the story until a friend at church, who saw Allen’s poem, suggested it to him. Allen asked his great-niece, Whitney Temple, to create illustrations for the book and worked with Christian Faith Publishing to print the book.
“I decided that there are so many books that are not suitable for children; they are supposed to be for children, but they are not,” said Allen. “I wanted something that would encourage them to live their lives in a positive way.”
“Shelby the Squirrel” is intended for young readers, with themes that can be applied to their lives. Church members and family have purchased multiple copies of the book, and the story is shared at Allen’s church Sunday school. Allen hopes readers learn how to be inclusive and help others in need.
“True friends will help you when you need help,” Allen said.
Allen’s daughter, Penny Dowker, said that several other poems by her mother would make excellent books. Allen has another poem that is in the process of being published. There is also the possibility of printing poems that she wrote when she was between 11 and 14 years old.
“Shelby the Squirrel” is available for purchase online at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Apple’s iTunes store, and at physical stores like Walmart.