Retired Teacher Pens Whimsical Tales Inspired by Childhood Memories

Retired Teacher Pens

Whimsical Tales Inspired by Childhood Memories

Rebecca Hemlock

The Ashland Beacon

After years of inspiring young minds in the classroom, retired teacher Carol June Franks is now captivating them with her enchanting children's books. With four published titles under her belt and a passion for fostering literacy, Franks is proving that retirement can be the perfect launchpad for a new and exciting chapter.

For years, Franks harbored a dream of writing a children's book. A spark was ignited during her participation in the Louisville Writing Project Summer Institute, where she began writing alongside her students. The experience birthed several story ideas that she believed would resonate with young readers. However, it wasn't until she retired from teaching that she finally had the time to transform those ideas into tangible books.

Her books are best suited for children ages two to eight and are designed to be read aloud and enjoyed together. The rhythmic language and engaging illustrations make them a joy for both young readers and the adults who share them.

Each of her books includes a dedicated section at the end with guidance on using the book to build reading skills and inspire writing. This innovative approach is a key part of her brand and something she plans to continue with each subsequent publication. “I want my books to provide content that sparks good conversations and rhythm that readers of all ages can enjoy.”

Her books are a delightful blend of memory and imagination, drawing inspiration from her own life experiences. "Sled Ride Down Unrue Street" is a heartwarming tale based on her childhood memories of exhilarating sleigh rides on the road where she grew up in Westwood. "The Silent Tree Remembers" reflects her deep love for trees and nature, imagining the stories a tree might tell if it could speak. This particular book holds a special connection to her father, who cherished the woods, and she envisioned him amidst the trees as she wrote. Her first and most recent books delve into cherished memories from her grandparents' farm in eastern Kentucky. "Potatoes, Papaw, and Me" vividly portrays her time spent with her grandfather, fondly recalling their shared love for tiny potatoes fried in an iron skillet on a wood stove.

While her books offer a sense of nostalgia for adults, they also explore universal themes of family, nature, and adventure. Readers often comment on how the stories transport them back to simpler times and cherished childhood memories. Although her books don't explicitly teach a lesson, they reflect an appreciation for family, nature, and the simple joys of life. "I want my books to be simplistic, enjoyable, and wholesome," Franks emphasizes. "There are currently so many books that teach a lesson, build confidence, etc., and I want my books to provide content that sparks good conversations and rhythm that readers of all ages can enjoy."

Carol June Franks is a shining example of how passion, experience, and a touch of nostalgia can create truly magical stories for children. Her commitment to fostering literacy and her ability to capture the wonder of childhood make her a valuable asset to the literary community. To learn more about Carol June Franks and her books, visit her website at www.junebugtales.com.