𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐫: 𝐁𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐧 𝐋𝐢𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐧’𝐬 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤

For nearly 12 years, Ginger Anderson has been the voice behind the stories at the Linton Public Library.

As a fixture in the children’s department, she has spent over a decade searching for the perfect books to purchase and reading to countless local children during story hours. Through that experience, she developed a sharp eye for what makes a story work—and specifically, how hard it is to land the ending.

"Spending so much time searching for interesting books... has given me a real appreciation for a well-told story," she explained. "I’ve noticed that ending a story well seems to be the hardest part for a writer. So, I very much appreciate a good ending and have tried to write one in my book."

Now, the tables have turned. Instead of reading someone else’s work, she is inviting the community to read hers.

Ginger has officially released her first children's book, titled “A Visit With Our Boring Grandparents.”

Despite the title, the book is anything but dull. Described as a twist on the classic fairytale The Gingerbread Man, the story follows a brother and sister who dread visiting their grandparents, assuming the day will be "b-o-r-i-n-g." However, once their parents force the trip, the children discover a day filled with "sweet surprises."

The inspiration for the book came during the quiet moments of 2020. While mowing the grass or driving in her car, Ginger began making up stories to entertain her own grandchildren and to use in videos for the library’s Facebook page.

"I chose 'A Visit With Our Boring Grandparents' in order to try my hand at illustrating and self-publishing one of them," she said.

That process became a labor of love that spanned several years. Rather than using digital software, she hand-painted the illustrations using watercolors. While she admits digital art might have looked more "polished," she hopes readers will feel the warmth of the personal touch.

Local readers might even recognize the characters. Her own grandchildren claim the grandparents in the book are based on Ginger and her husband, though she humbly notes that:

"I don’t cook as well as she does, and my husband and I don’t have any magical powers."

At its heart, the book is a tool for connection. She hopes it will be enjoyed as a read-aloud book, helping parents, grandparents, and caretakers bond with the children in their lives.

"The most rewarding part of this journey has been... seeing the look of delight and surprise in a child’s face as you share the book with them," she said.

As for whether there will be more books in the future? That remains to be seen.

"I’m not sure if I will illustrate and publish anymore of the stories I have written or not. I would like to if I can find the time," she joked. "Did I mention we have 14 grandkids?"