North Augusta Welcomes Ivy Pokey: A New Children’s Book Series by Local Teacher
This morning in North Augusta, the skies opened up with a steady rain, and if you happen to be at home, it’s a perfect day to cozy up with a new book. Speaking of books, there’s an exciting new release on the shelves that you might want to check out: Ivy Pokey’s First Day of School by local teacher Melissa Clarke!
Meet Ivy Pokey!
Just in time to brighten up this rainy day, Ivy Pokey is a charming purple porcupine who is stepping into the educational spotlight. Clarke recently launched her first book on August 28, and it’s the start of a 10-part series aimed at children aged 2 to 6. Having worked with little ones for over two decades, Clarke has funneled her rich experience into this delightful creation, which is set to engage and inspire kids.
The charming porcupine lives in the northern woods and comes with a mission of teaching about acceptance, language, and animal fun facts— all while children think they’re simply enjoying a story. “I try to teach without them knowing I’m teaching,” Clarke says with a smile, and it’s this approach that makes her teaching, and now her writing, so effective.
A Tribute to Family
What’s even more touching is that Ivy Pokey is dedicated to Clarke’s grandmother, a woman who loved music and the color purple. “She always accepted people for who they were,” Clarke beams. It’s clear that the values passed down from her grandmother continue to play a significant role in Clarke’s life and her new book series.
A Journey to Publication
The path to bringing Ivy Pokey to life hasn’t been without its challenges. After all, this project is over six years in the making! It all started with a simple story idea that Clarke initially turned into a puppet show for her students. Soon enough, she found herself digging deeper into the world of publishing and illustration.
“I started doing what the normal person would do – I Googled everything,” Clarke laughs, reflecting on the process. It became a labor of love as she rolled up her sleeves to learn the ins and outs of book publication, finally deciding to go the independent route. With the help of illustrator Valerie Smith, the characters leaped off the page, capturing the hearts of young readers.
Where to Find Ivy Pokey
Ivy Pokey’s First Day of School is now available on Amazon, both in paperback and e-book formats. Clarke dreams of sharing Ivy’s adventures in schools, libraries, churches, and even hospitals. She wants to read the stories to children everywhere, bringing smiles and lessons of acceptance along the way.
Rainy Days and Book Adventures
If you’re wondering how to enjoy the rest of this rainy day, curling up with Ivy Pokey might just be the perfect remedy. With a high of 78°F expected today and those refreshing coastal breezes keeping things lively, why not sip on a warm drink while diving into the delightful world Clarke has created?
With more books in the Ivy Pokey series on the horizon, including the second installment set to be released later this fall, there’s plenty to look forward to. So, grab your umbrella and your favorite reading nook, and experience the joy of learning and acceptance through the eyes of Ivy Pokey.
Let’s celebrate this local author and her contributions to children’s literature. North Augusta community members, your next favorite read might just be waiting for you!
